Former Celtic Defender Says Why Fans Aren’t “Raving” About Liam Scales

Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew has heaped praise on Liam Scales, suggesting that the only thing holding back wider recognition for the Celtic defender is the absence of a hefty transfer fee.

Scales, who joined the Hoops from Shamrock Rovers for a modest £500,000, has grown into an important player under Brendan Rodgers, establishing himself as a key figure in the heart of Celtic’s defence.

Scales has made a strong return to Celtic Park after a season on loan at Aberdeen, securing his place alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers and playing an instrumental role in both Celtic’s domestic campaign and the Republic of Ireland’s national team.

He did get his chance because of an injury crisis, but he grabbed it with both hands, nevertheless.

Mulgrew believes Scales’ relatively low-cost transfer and lack of a big or foreign name may lead some to underestimate his contributions. Mulgrew pointed out that fans often focus on potential mistakes rather than acknowledging the impressive performances the defender has consistently delivered.

He said to RecordSport: “Liam Scales has been absolutely brilliant since he stepped into the team last season.

“Brendan Rodgers has openly said that he doesn’t know where he would be without him. I think he was nearly out of the door and then he stepped up to the plate.

“Because he’s not a big or foreign name, sometimes people are just waiting for him to make a mistake and looking at the things he doesn’t do, rather than the actual stuff he does bring. I think if they’d signed him for six, seven or eight million, the place would be absolutely raving about him and he would get a lot more credit for what he’s done.”

Scales could be lining up beside Cameron Carter-Vickers again this weekend. The American defender has been back in training at Lennoxtown and could be ready to face Aberdeen this weekend before they Travel to Italy to face Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday.