Scale up defence Irishman tells ‘Tic
IT was a major thrill for Liam Scales to get the backing of his rivals to seal a slot in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year. But the defender warned the Celtic backline will need to tighten up if he’s going to be part of a Doublewinning side this season as well.
The Ireland international is gearing up for an incredible end to a remarkable campaign, one which has gone from uncertainty over whether he’d be at the club to being one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Scales won over boss Brendan Rodgers and opposition players with his displays this term – despite having to deal with some doubters among the Hoops support.
The PFA accolade is another sign of his rapid rise at Parkhead but the 25-year-old insisted the team prizes are the ones driving him on.
Scales knows Celts are in a strong position in the Premiership with a three-point cushion at the summit entering the final five games.
And they have a date with destiny at Hampden again after setting up an Old Firm Scottish Cup final on May 25 following Saturday’s headspinning shoot-out victory over Aberdeen.
The centre-back is happy to pause for breath but insisted now is not the time to be reflecting on personal awards.
Scales said: “I am delighted. I feel this has been a bit of a breakthrough year, so to get named by other players means a lot to me.
“I am proud. But the focus is on the rest of the season because it’s far from over and there’s so much to play for.
“This is where we want to be. We are in the driving seat but you look at that game against Aberdeen.
“It was mental and it just shows that anything can happen.
“We need to be professional and on top of our game for these last five league matches and the Cup final.”
I’m delighted and this has felt like a breakthrough year for me with Celtic