Celtic defender Liam Scales has enjoyed a meteoric rise at Parkhead this campaign under the guise of Brendan Rodgers.
Despite being linked with a move to Aberdeen last summer, the Republic of Ireland international remained in Glasgow before his exploits against Rangers at Ibrox last led to him gaining an extended run in the side.
Initially, Scales was only thrust into action as a consequence of injuries to Cameron Carter-Vickers, Maik Nawrocki, and Stephen Welsh; however, he took his chance when it emerged and is likely to be a nailed-on starter for the remaining duration of the Scottish Premiership title race.
Per Transfermarkt, the 25-year-old made his 40th appearance of the campaign against Dundee, and he has registered one goal and three assists in that timeframe.
Voted for by his peers, Scales has also earned a slot in the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year, recognising his contribution in central defence this term.
Long-term, it remains to be seen whether he will continue to be a first-choice in Rodgers’ side after the summer transfer window closes.
His contract at Parkhead expires in 2025, yet despite talks between both parties, no confirmation has come to light regarding an extension to his deal.
Liam Scales’ role at Celtic once again thrust into focus
In a strange turn of events, Scales has almost become a default replacement for now-departed defender Carl Starfelt, factoring in the sheer number of minutes he has completed in 2023/24.
Summer signings Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke have been unable to unseat the Irishman; meanwhile, Nat Phillips’ loan spell from Liverpool was short-lived and unmemorable.
Discussing Scales and his role at Celtic, pundit Kenny Miller believes he has enjoyed a ‘solid’ campaign in Glasgow; however, the former Scotland international also indicated he expects Rodgers to acquire reinforcements in his position once the window opens.
He stated [Clyde 1 Superscoreboard]: “I think Liam Scales has had a really good season for someone who was thrust into the team through two or three injuries to players who had been signed.
“Obviously, the departure of Starfelt (as well). I think he’s had a really solid season alongside Carter-Vickers. Carter-Vickers has missed maybe 40% of league games, so he’s not had that stable partnership there as well. I think he’s had a solid season.
“Will he be Celtic’s left-sided centre-back next year? I think both sides of the Old Firm will probably be addressing the left sides of their defence, so Scales has got it all to do, but I wouldn’t be one to point the finger at Scales at all this season. He’s been really solid when he was needed; he needed to come in and do well.
“You go back to that first Old Firm game of the season when it was Lagerbielke he played with; Scales was the steady one, Lagerbielke, the new signing, was the one that looked there to be got at. I think Scales has done great, he’s had a good season, and he deserves his spot in the team of the year.”
Celtic’s long-term squad planning will take shape this summer
With four Scottish Premiership matches left this campaign, we will have to wait until the summer to find out where Rodgers is keen to perform squad surgery.
Scales has been a near-constant available presence on matchday. However, it remains to be seen whether he will partner Carter-Vickers once 2024/25 rolls around amid potential increased competition for his place.
For now, everyone connected with Celtic must prioritise earning two pieces of silverware before scouring the market for new recruits.
