Liam Scales’ return for Ireland has been reduced to another six out of ten rating, but that verdict from the Irish media misses what Celtic will actually take from his performance in Dublin.
There were immediate signs of intent from Scales after his return from suspension. The Celtic defender “rambled forward as often as he could”, offering a constant outlet down the flank.
Scales also carried a threat in the second half, having seen one shot blocked during a more positive spell. That attacking intent was a key part of his display in the Republic of Ireland’s 0-0 draw with North Macedonia.
But despite the average rating from Ireland’s media, the bigger picture of Scales’ performances in Ireland’s setup often left him “isolated on the opposite wing”. That context is central to how his performance should be judged.
And here, 67 Hail Hail looks to focus on the positive points of Scales’ performance from a Celtic perspective.
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Celtic will recognise the role Liam Scales was asked to perform
The Irish media’s verdict around the Celtic defender’s performance in the draw appears to miss the context of the role Scales was asked to play.
RTE said of Scales, “Liam Scales was back in the side after his suspension. Ireland often attacked the right flank, which often left Liam Scales isolated on the opposite wing. The defender immediately settled back into life in a green jersey. Scales was able to get forward and track back, there was also a shot that was blocked down in the 63rd minute. 6”
That summary highlights the role, the context, and Scales’ contribution, but still, the Hoops star earns a flat six.
The Irish Mirror also reinforced the same point and said, “Back in at left-wing-back after suspension and he rambled forward as often as he could, and saw one shot blocked in the second-half. 6”
The Balls.ie verdict was, “Liam Scales – 6. Scales was not afraid to get forward in his left wingback role, especially early on in the game. He was not asked to do much defending at the other end of the pitch. Had a good opportunity to score in the second half but failed to connect with the shot.”
Across those verdicts, the same pattern emerges. Scales contributed in attack, handled his role, and operated within a structure and role that has been alien to him, yet the rating does not move.
Celtic know why Liam Scales delivers consistent performances
The performance came in a system where Ireland often built attacks away from his side. That naturally shaped both his involvement and how frequently he was tested defensively.
It was also a display where his attacking intent remained clear, with repeated forward runs and involvement in advanced areas. Those contributions are consistent with his role rather than standout moments.
Here are Scales’ attacking stats from Fotmob:
- Touches: 45
- Touches in opposition box: 3
- Successful dribbles: 0/1 (0%)
- Passes into final third: 2
- Accurate crosses: 0/2 (0%)
- Accurate long balls: 2/2 (100%)
- Chances created: 1
- Shots on target: 0
- Shots off target: 0
What stands out is not a single action, but the level he consistently reaches. Scales delivers performances that meet the demands of the system without dropping below a certain standard.
And defensively, the Celtic defender put in a shift:
- Blocked shots: 1
- Defensive contributions: 3
- Tackles: 1
- Blocks: 0
- Clearances: 2
- Headed clearances: 1
- Interceptions: 0
- Recoveries: 4
- Ground duels won: 1/3 (33%)
- Aerial duels won: 2/3 (67%)
- Overall rating: 6.9
The media’s six out of ten label reflects a safe judgement, not the full picture. Fotmob’s rating of 6.9 reflects how his performance really was and Celtic will take the consistency, the positional discipline, and the reliability that Scales continues to show every time he plays.
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