'I was impressed' - Celtic player lauded by former Premier League man
Celtic are back in Scottish Premiership action this weekend following the international break
Celtic face an away trip to St Mirren on Saturday night in their upcoming Scottish Premiership clash. They won 4-0 at home to Kilmarnock in their last game before the international break. Johnny Kenny, Kieran Tierney, Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels got their goals at Celtic Park against Killie.
The Hoops have won both of their league matches under interim manager Martin O’Neill. They will be hoping for more of the same this weekend against the Buddies. Their upcoming opponents are positioned in 9th place in the table after their first 11 fixtures.
Celtic defender Liam Scales hailed by Kevin Kilbane
Former Premier League left-back Kevin Kilbane, who played for the likes of West Brom, Everton and Hull City, has heaped praise on Celtic defender Liam Scales. The 48-year-old believes the Hoops’ centre-back should start for the Republic of Ireland. Scales, who is from Wicklow, has made 13 caps for his country so far in his career.
Speaking following their win over Hungary last week, Kilbane said, as per Betway Insider: "I was impressed, yeah. Particularly because it’s out of position. He’s played left-back and left of a back three, but wing-back is different. Attacking-wise, Robbie Brady has more quality in the final third. Ryan Manning too.
"But what I love about Scales is you can see what it means to him to play for Ireland. If he’s asked to play left-back, wing-back, centre-half - he’ll give it everything. It was fitting that he got the assist for (Troy) Parrott’s equaliser. At half-time, I actually thought he might come off.
"(Heimir) Hallgrímsson took Jake O’Brien off instead, moved Scales inside and brought on Manning. I was surprised, but Scales stuck with it and grew into the game. He was one of Ireland's best (players) in the second half. Long-term, Ryan Manning is probably the answer at wing-back. If Robbie Brady’s fit, he pushes him. Scales for me should still be in the side - ideally at left centre-half."
What now for Liam Scales and Celtic?
Scales will be looking to help Republic of Ireland qualify for the World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico next summer and they will have a play-off after their dramatic win over Hungary last week. His focus will now shift back on to Celtic for the time being though. The Hoops are looking to close the gap on Hearts at the summit.
The 27-year-old has been on the books of his current club since joining them back in 2021. Prior to his move to Glasgow, he had spells as a youngster at UCD and Shamrock Rovers. He was loaned out to Aberdeen back in 2022 to get some experience under his belt.
Upon his return to Celtic, he has since become a valuable member of their first-team squad. He has made 118 appearances for them in all competitions to date, 20 of which have come this term, and he has chipped in with eight goals from the back. Scales has formed a partnership in the heart of the backline with Cameron Carter-Vickers.