It was a Thursday night to remember for Celtic defender Liam Scales as he scored his first-ever international goal for the Republic of Ireland in a 2-1 victory over Finland.
Scales’ 58th-minute header helped the Irish leave Helsinki with three Nations League points, equalising for his country after Nathan Collins’ horrendous defensive error gifted Finland a first-half lead.
Robbie Brady swung in a pinpoint free-kick for the Celtic defender to guide home under pressure, delighting his teammates and the travelling support.
Brady then turned goal hero himself just a few minutes from time, netting expertly at the back post after Festy Ebosele’s tricky cross caught out the Finland defence.
It’s a strong win for the Irish, which halts a three-game losing streak.
Liam Scales is solid at the back and a set-piece threat for Ireland
In a defensive sense, Scales did little wrong. Finland were restricted to just a handful of chances that, if not for Collins’ first half error of a slack pass back to Caoimhin Kelleher, would have resulted in a barren night.
The Celtic man won a towering 10 of his 11 duels with opponents, showing he was up for the fight.
There were some slack moments in possession, though he completed 84% of his 58 passes to teammates, typically looking to push the play forward from the defensive line.
His match rating from stat-tracks FotMob was a mighty 8.4, more than anyone else on the pitch apart from his goal partner Brady.
His threat from set-pieces was apparent even before his equaliser. Shortly after the interval, he nodded a corner down to the back post, which could have resulted in a goal for Sammie Szmodics.
Overall, it was decent evidence that Scales has the ability to win many more Ireland caps, and he’ll now be hoping to retain his place in the team for Sunday night’s trip away to Greece.
Incredible rise continues for Celtic defender
The goal and victory is another proud moment for the popular Irishman who has enjoyed a fairytale rise for club and country over the last 18 months.
Scales earned a UEFA Man of the Match award in the Champions League just last month, and now he’s stepping up for Ireland when he’s needed most.
Considering he was on the fringes of the Celtic squad and in danger of being sold on the cheap before Brendan Rodgers’ arrival, his progress has been remarkable.
Long may it continue!
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