The Liam Scales criticism over the past few days is in my opinion uncalled for. However it’s clear that he’s not the answer going forward as a first pick central defender for Celtic. As a squad player he’s more than capable of doing a job for Brendan Rodgers but a quality left-sided centre-back is needed this summer.
A fairytale season
Liam Scales has enjoyed something of a fairytale season. The Republic of Ireland international looked to be heading out the exit door last summer, ironically as it turns out, to join Aberdeen.
Especially after the big money signings of Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki, but due to an array of circumstances – and injuries – he’s become a first team regular and was even recently named in the SPFL Team of the Year.
It’s nothing short of remarkable, and Liam should be applauded for his determination to fight for his place and break into the side and remain a first team regular alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers at the heart of the Celtic defence.
A whipping boy
That hasn’t stopped Liam Scales becoming something of a whipping boy amongst elements of the Celtic support. Yes, his form has taken a bit of a wobble recently, but he’s still giving his all and continues to contribute to our title challenge. So any and all criticism thrown his way is totally uncalled for.
That said, despite Liam’s good form and his unquestionable dedication it’s quite obvious that Celtic needs a better quality of player in the centre of defence going forward.
There is talk of Liam being offered a new deal, and no one could grudge him that. He fully deserves one, but for me he is no more than a squad player, joining the likes of Anthony Ralston, Stephen Welsh, Tomoki Iwata and even club legend James Forrest in that ‘squad player’ category. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Higher calibre of defender
If Celtic win the title then Liam Scales has more than played his part and will deserve as much recognition as anyone in the squad. But if we have any ambitions to go to a higher level and compete in Europe, then we need a higher calibre of defender for next season.
We need a proven quality centre back to play alongside the excellent Cameron Carter-Vickers, that’s not being harsh on Liam Scales, it’s just the honest truth. Surely Brendan Rodgers must see this too? We’ll find out over the upcoming summer months.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
2 Comments
How can you say scales is a whopping bhoy when it’s blatantly obvious he’s not improving at left back . Let’s be honest we’re luck to be where we are . Poor recruiting and penny pinching board have caused this . We have a good manager who needs to be backed up . Let’s wait and see if the board spend wisely this summer . Celtic fans deserve more than failed promises.
No player is above being critized for the way playing or making a mistake,Scales will never be a CB,he should be played at LB as Taylor gives 100%but is not good enough to play for us.Maybe this miserable Board will give the manager funds to spend,if not all supporters should be looking at ways to get board out talking as a ST holder for 30 years