The verdict on Liam Scales’ display vs Hearts after big contract week

Celtic defender Liam Scales is loving life at Parkhead after renewing his contract at the club earlier this week.

The Republic of Ireland international has penned a four-year extension in Glasgow’s east end, completing a fantastic turnaround amid previously being close to heading for Aberdeen permanently last summer.

Earning rewards for his emergence as a regular starter, Greg Taylor moved to praise his defensive colleague following the Bhoys’ convincing 3-0 victory over Heart of Midlothian yesterday.

The Scotland international stated: “He put in the hard yards, went to Aberdeen and did well, and then came back just hoping to get an opportunity. Some boys don’t get that opportunity, but his came, and he took it.”

Scales made his 41st appearance of the campaign against Steven Naismith’s outfit, running a tight ship alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers as Celtic recorded their third clean sheet in six fixtures.

Come the end of the season, the former Shamrock Rovers man will be keen to make his availability count by getting his hands on both Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup crowns, though there is still plenty of work to do before that could become a reality.

Liam Scales plays his part in pivotal Celtic victory vs Hearts

As a defender, picking up a clean sheet and a new contract in the same week must feel good, and Scales will be satisfied with his work as Celtic saw off Hearts to extend their grip on top spot.

Per Fotmob, the Irishman racked up some impressive statistics in possession, completing 62 out of his 74 attempted passes (84%), six of which entering the final third. He also enjoyed 78 touches of the ball and wasn’t dispossessed once, helping to build attacks from deep.

From a defensive standpoint, Scales made six recoveries, won 100% of his ground duels, carried out two ‘defensive actions’, one clearance and a solitary headed clearance, rounding off a solid display.

With the Glasgow Derby next up, the 25-year-old is more or less guaranteed to start against Rangers, and another performance like his heroics at Ibrox last September would be the ideal tonic to back up his contract renewal.

Celtic know what they have to do next Saturday, and Rodgers’ men will be determined to emerge victorious given the ramifications a win could have for their Scottish Premiership title hopes.