Celtic defender Liam Scales has enjoyed a brilliant start to the campaign and has played his part in the Bhoys keeping six Scottish Premiership clean sheets so far.
The Irishman has been a leading light under Brendan Rodgers this term, excelling when partnered with either Cameron Carter-Vickers or Auston Trusty in central defence.
Alongside helping Celtic record six shutouts, in-form Scales has also scored against Kilmarnock and Slovan Bratislava, establishing himself as a dominant presence in both boxes.
Kicking on from a life-changing campaign last term where Hoops boss Rodgers found Scales to be one of his biggest ‘surprises’ in football, there is a new-found level of maturity in his game that has been born out of regular exposure to the pressure of first-team life at Celtic Park.
With the Republic of Ireland gearing up for their double-header against Finland and Greece, there are few men in their squad better equipped to help the Boys in Green end their poor run of form.
Celtic’s Liam Scales ready to answer the Irish call
With Ireland on a run of just one win in eight matches, Heimir Hallgrímsson has a tough job on his hands to turn the tide at the Aviva Stadium.
As the old adage goes, a manager should play his form players at international level. Scales is up there with the best of them right now, winning 61 duels and 42 aerial tussles on Scottish Premiership duty.
Earning a pass accuracy of 91.2% this term, his ability to retain possession could also make him an asset wherever he plays, which could become a topic of conversation when evaluating his nation’s squad.
Casting an eye over the left-back area, only Preston North End’s Robbie Brady is naturally adept on the that side of defence.
Callum O’Dowda’s injury absence has followed Matt Doherty’s omission, leaving Halgrimsson’s men light on options in a problem position [Extratime].
Celtic’s Liam Scales could be set for a slightly revised role
It is no secret that Scales has played at left-back plenty during his career and featured there in the infancy of his time at Celtic under Ange Postecoglou.
Should he be given the nod to start ahead of Brady against Finland or Greece, it would be an adaptation, but you suspect he would handle it just fine.
Central defenders deputising in a wider role than usual has become commonplace in modern football. Their power can be useful in both attacking and defensive scenarios, providing a layer of solidity when out of possession.
Hopefully, Scales can continue his excellent Celtic form with a performance worthy of recognition on the international stage if he is selected.
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