Premiership manager defends loan for Celtic defender

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Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin has defended the club’s decision to take Celtic defender Liam Scales on loan for the season.

Fans of the Pittodrie club unveiled a “No more Celtic loans” banner prior to the club’s Premier Sports Cup win over Stirling Albion, but Goodwin believes that signing Scales was a no-brainer.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Goodwin said: “Listen, Liam Scales is a quality player.

“I tried to get him on a couple of occasions when I was St Mirren manager and he was over at Shamrock Rovers. He’s a top, top player and he gives us great balance on the left side of defence. He’s the best option available for us right now.

The former Celtic youth graduate revealed he attempted to sign Scales as St Mirren manager prior to the former Shamrock Rovers move to Glasgow last summer.

Goodwin said: “We did enquire to Celtic about trying to make it a permanent one, but they prefer to go down the loan route. So, I’m quite comfortable with it, I think the supporters should be too.

“I think they recognise what Liam has brought to the team so far. He has been one of our standout performers in this early part (of the season).”

A sensible decision for all parties involved

As intimated by Goodwin, Aberdeen’s signing of Scales is one that appears to make sense for all parties.

After making only 13 appearances in all competitions last season, and with the signing of Alexandro Bernabei, as well as significant recruitment in central defence, the Irishman looks to have very little chance of first-team football at Celtic.

Scales turns 24 in a fortnight, and will surely look to prioritise first team football, whether his long-term future lies at Aberdeen or otherwise.

Despite impressing in Aberdeen’s imperious Premier Sports Cup campaign so far, the former Irish U-21 international will miss Sunday’s Premiership curtain raiser in Paradise with loan players unable to face their parent clubs under league rules.

Scales is just one of several moves from Paradise to Pittodrie in recent years, with the likes of Ryan Christie and Adam Montgomery enjoying loan spells on the East coast, whilst Scott Brown finished a glittering playing career at Aberdeen last season before becoming Fleetwood Town manager.

In other news: Potential Celtic exit could showcase what Ange Postecoglou’s next transfer move will be