The verdict on Celtic’s Liam Scales vs Greece as Ireland are beaten in Athens

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Celtic defender Liam Scales won his seventh cap for the Republic of Ireland on Sunday night in a Nations League match vs Greece in Athens.

Scales experienced a dream Thursday after scoring in a 2-1 Ireland win away to Finland and was thrust right back into the action as a starter this evening.

It was a more difficult night for the 26-year-old, with Greece dominating large portions of the 90 minutes and consistently bypassing the Irish midfield to pepper Caoimhin Kelleher’s goal.

The Greeks had 21 shots in total, seven on target and a generated xG of 2.15. They deserved their 2-0 home victory.

Emotions have been running high in the Greece camp after George Baldock’s sad passing. They’ve had a difficult week. However, they have shown great spirit and unity to beat both England and Ireland.

• READ MORE: Celtic players currently on October international duty

How Liam Scales played for Ireland vs Greece

Despite the defeat, Liam Scales acquitted himself well and had a particularly impressive first half to hold a threatening Greece to a 0-0 scoreline at the interval.

As mentioned, the Irish midfield struggled, so it was very much a rearguard performance from Scales and the rest of his defensive line, with goalkeeper Kelleher also shining during the opening period.

It was more about positioning and last-ditch defending than getting on the ball and building from the back.

Scales has the ability to excel in those circumstances, and only one moment when Anastasios Bakasetas dribbled past him really exposed his defending in the first 45 minutes.

After half-time, the Celtic star was unlucky when Bakasetas’ powerful strike from distance deflected off his outstretched leg to fizz past Kelleher for the lead.

A goalkeeping blunder then allowed the home side to make it 2-0 through Petros Mantalos late in stoppage time.

For me, Scales has taken his Irish opportunity well during this international window. His two performances are strong evidence that he can do more for his country, especially if he can keep playing regularly for Celtic.

In distribution, he could perhaps be a bit more efficient and ambitious, but his defending has been a credit to him this week.

He’s brave, committed and capable of making timely interventions in the box against pressure.

Scales has tough competition for his Celtic spot

With Cameron Carter-Vickers returning from injury soon, there’s no guarantee he’ll keep his place in the Bhoys side.

Summer signing Auston Trusty is now also on the scene and Scales has competition for his place that didn’t really exist last season.

The Irishman has had a stellar start to the campaign but will have to maintain those levels to keep Brendan Rodgers’ trust. The manager will not hesitate to swap him out if necessary.

However, Scales is taking confidence back to Lennoxtown after his international displays and is likely to start against Aberdeen on Saturday, given that Trusty has far more travel ahead of him this week with the United States squad.