Celtic have had to improvise in defence this campaign due to a mixture of injury issues and the form of certain players under Brendan Rodgers.
Cameron Carter-Vickers has endured a couple of spells on the sidelines; however, he has recently returned to action, providing some steel to his side’s backline.
Of course, Liam Scales emerging as a first-team player has proven to be the surprise of the campaign, given that he looked set to join Aberdeen last summer before eventually remaining at the club.
Rodgers famously labelled Scales as one of the ‘biggest surprises’ of his managerial career, with his rise to prominence coming off the back of his excellent display within the Bhoys’ makeshift backline in their 1-0 victory over Rangers at Ibrox last September.
The Republic of Ireland international has amassed 35 appearances across all competitions this campaign, registering a solitary goal and three assists [Transfermarkt].
Talks of a new contract have been mentioned regarding the 25-year-old, as reports last month indicated that discussions have commenced between Celtic and Scales to try and tie him down.
His current deal is set to expire in 2025, prompting the Hoops to try and ensure his future isn’t left to chance amid the possibility of interest in his services from elsewhere.
Allan Preston says Celtic’s Liam Scales lacks an important quality
BBC pundit Allan Preston thinks Scales lacks the same ruthless mentality that Carter-Vickers has in abundance when playing for Celtic, as he ran the rule over his performance in the Bhoys’ 2-0 defeat to Heart of Midlothian yesterday.
He explained [Scottish Football Podcast]: “Listen, Scales has been great, but he is still relatively inexperienced.
“I just think Shankland, you know, I am going to plank myself on you. Carter-Vickers is a different proposition; he’s a big, strong beast. But Scales, he’s not got, at the moment, that ruthless streak that Carter-Vickers has got.
“I think Shankland is like, you know what? I’ve done it at Parkhead against him, I’ll do it the same again, he didn’t give him a chance. Scales is a good player, but I think Shankland would’ve really fancied it today and we seen that.”
Celtic have shown defensive frailty at times this season
No side who drops points on eight separate occasions inside 29 Scottish Premiership matches is free from defensive frailty, and Celtic have questions to answer if we are to claim the league title.
The Bhoys have kept just two clean sheets in their last eight fixtures across all competitions, though various absences due to injury concerns haven’t helped in that regard.
Moving forward, Joe Hart needs to have a settled back four in front of him if the Bhoys are to stand any chance of being able to complete a domestic double.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
