Why Liam Scales’ international exploits lay the foundation for Celtic optimism

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic are working their way through the international break, and Liam Scales has been in action for the Republic of Ireland over the past few days.

The 26-year-old made his competitive debut for the Boys in Green last Thursday. It is fair to say he enjoyed a dream night in Helsinki as Heimir Halgrimmson’s decision to start him in the Finnish capital was vindicated.

Delivering a telling contribution, Liam Scales got on the scoresheet for Ireland away to Finland, notching an equaliser before Robbie Brady pounced to cap a morale-boosting victory for a country that has been mired in a poor run of form over recent times.

Unfortunately, Ireland weren’t able to replicate their heroics against Greece on Sunday night. They suffered a 2-0 defeat, thanks to goals from Anastasios Bakasetas and Petros Mantalos.

Despite the loss, Scales earned positive reviews from the Irish media in Piraeus and stuck to his task in robust fashion against an opponent who came off the back of a triumph over England at Wembley.

With the former Shamrock Rovers man set to return to Celtic, his exploits on the international scene could have a knock-on effect at club level.

Liam Scales is ready as ever for Celtic’s Champions League push

International breaks can be tedious for supporters who want club football back, but there is plenty that Celtic players can take from their experiences of performing in different environments.

Out of the 12 Bhoys initially called up for their country, spirited defender Scales has only enhanced his club prospects after another two displays that mark his rise to prominence and ability to compete at the top table.

In turn, the Wicklow native’s Celtic prospects will have benefitted. Contrasting his fortunes, teammate Auston Trusty wasn’t awarded his United States breakthrough despite injuries to Chris Richards and club colleague Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Of course, Trusty has already impressed in some of his early Bhoys’ outings, but he is more than likely in direct competition with Scales for his place, and match sharpness is an asset worth taking into account.

Liam Scales likely to keep place for coming Celtic fixtures

Celtic have some exciting fixtures on the horizon, and there is likely to be speculation over who will be chosen by Brendan Rodgers to help the Bhoys preserve their positive start to the campaign.

Despite Trusty’s £6 million arrival in Glasgow, which created some discussion over whether Scales’ place could be under threat, there is no feasible argument against the latter not keeping his place.

The Irishman has played a leading role in helping his side keep six clean sheets this campaign. He has also become the de facto number-one central defender while Carter-Vickers has been sidelined.

Ultimately, his presence in the line-up is too important to withdraw, and his shining displays on the international scene are likely to tip the scales in his favour for now, if you pardon the pun.