What Does the Future Hold for Liam Scales at Celtic?
Born in Barndarrig, County Wicklow in Ireland, Liam Scales is currently living the dream playing for Celtic. The defender has been a regular feature for Brendan Rodgers’ men, making 37 appearances in all competitions so far this season. Before signing for Celtic, Scales started his career at the University College Dublin AFC, where he won the League of Ireland First Division and the Collingwood Cup. He then made the switch to Shamrock Rovers winning the League of Ireland Premier Division on back-to-back occasions.
Scales signed for the Hoops in 2021 winning the Scottish Premiership and Scottish League Cup in his first season at the club and managed to get called up to the Republic of Ireland squad – earning his first cap against Azerbaijan. He was sent out on a season-long loan to Aberdeen in 2022. The 25-year-old made 27 league appearances and helped the Dons secure a third-place finish.
The jury is still out on the Republic of Ireland international from the Celtic support as his performances this season have been rather sub-par. Celtic fan and GGFN Football Writer, Jacob Toland, believes that the centre-back’s stay in the first-team won’t last going into next season, saying:
“He’s been quite unpredictable at times. He’s not a very forward-thinking centre-back. He only prefers to pass the ball sideways or backwards, which means he fits right in with Rodgers’ style of play. If Postecoglou was still here, he’d be 4th choice or out on loan elsewhere.
“Celtic could have done with one more defender. Carter-Vickers is having problems with injuries. Rodgers doesn’t seem to like Nawrocki, Lagerbielke or Kobayashi which only leaves Scales and Welsh. I’d keep him as cover, but I wouldn’t have him in the starting XI.”
Scales’ contract is up in 2025 and despite the mixed reviews on his performances, former Celtic player Andy Walker thinks a new contract is coming his way, he told GoRadio: “Liam Scales was one of those that once went out on loan to Aberdeen, which helped Aberdeen and helped Liam Scales and I’m sure a new contract is on the cards.”
Celtic have seven league games remaining and are in a Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen. There is no doubt Scales will be looking to play a massive part in helping the Parkhead side secure a third league title in a row.
By: Scott Bradley / @ScottBradleyX
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Craig Williamson – SNS Group