Pittodrie loan tipped Scales in star’s favour

Liam Scales is now a Celtic regular.

Jim Goodwin insists Liam Scales was always going to become a Celtic regular and was proud to mentor him on his journey during a loan spell at Aberdeen.

When the 25-year-old defender arrived at Pittodrie last year, it was make or break for his Hoops career with an exit seeming inevitable.

But a combination of injuries, departures and good form has seen him become a regular for Brendan Rodgers’ side this term.

Speaking in July after a 1-1 draw with Wolves, the Irishman told Celtic TV: “I don’t know what is ahead of me. I just want to do as well as I can and make as good an impression as I can on the people here. That’s as much as I can do.”

Scales will face the Dons this afternoon after they reignited his career at the Scottish champions – and Goodwin, now boss of Dundee United, thinks he can get even better.

He said: “I’m delighted for Liam that he’s been given the opportunity to do well at Celtic. It’s probably come around with a little bit of good fortune on his part due to the injuries that Celtic picked up in the early part of the season.

“When he was playing, I felt he was playing out of position. I felt he was a much better centre-half. I was glad to be able to bring him up to Aberdeen, to get regular game time and prove to Celtic that he’s more than capable of playing at that level.

“I had every confidence in Liam when he got the opportunity. I was communicating with him on WhatsApp a couple of weeks ago prior to the international game (Ireland’s 2-0 defeat against Greece) as I was tipped off about him getting his first senior cap.

“He’s doing great things and he’s only going to get better. It looks like he’s made that place his own. He and Cameron Carter-Vickers look very strong and have a good partnership.”

Ryan Christie was another whose Celtic career was rejuvenated following a loan move to the Granite City in 2017-18.

Goodwin believes Scales can follow the same path as the playmaker, who is now a key figure for club and country.

He added: “Brendan showed the first time around at Celtic that he will improve players. Liam working with Brendan and John Kennedy will do him the world of good.”