Liam Scales has enjoyed quite the week at Celtic as his rise to prominence continues in Glasgow’s east end.
From nearly leaving for Aberdeen last summer to being labelled one of the ‘biggest surprises’ of Brendan Rodgers’ managerial career following his first-team emergence, the 25-year-old has risen to new heights this term.
Republic of Ireland international Scales signed a new four-year deal at Celtic earlier this week, serving as a reward for his consistent displays.
Speaking to official club media, he signalled his gratitude to Rodgers for believing in his ability to shine, as he stated: “I am delighted to agree this new contract and commit my future to Celtic.
“I have really enjoyed working under the gaffer, and with such a great group of players this year and I look forward to doing so again in the coming seasons.
Yesterday, the former Shamrock Rovers man made his 41st appearance of the season for Celtic, helping to keep a clean sheet as the Bhoys demolished Heart of Midlothian at Parkhead in a mature performance from the reigning Scottish Premiership champions [Transfermarkt].
Four matches and two trophies remain on the table for Celtic, and Scales will be keen to finish his first campaign as a regular by adding two medals to his collection, adding to the two he gained in our double win under Ange Postecoglou in 2021/22.
Greg Taylor delighted for Liam Scales amid recent events
Scales needed to take the long way around to revive his Celtic career; nevertheless, he has done so admirably, which could provide a valuable lesson to loanees keen to break into the first-team set-up under Rodgers.
Greg Taylor also shares this sentiment, as the Scotland international moved to congratulate Scales for his ability to put in the ‘hard yards’ being rewarded despite having to work his way in from initially being on the periphery.
He stated [Cited via The Celtic Way]: “I am delighted for Liam. He has had a really good season. When he first came back from Aberdeen, he probably didn’t expect to be involved as much as he has.
“That would be a realistic observation but he’s worked hard and taken the chance when it came. All credit to him; he’s done so well and deserves his new deal.
“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.”
Greg Taylor could follow Liam Scales by signing Celtic contract
With Scales now committed to Celtic until 2028, Taylor’s contractual situation is a point of discussion for supporters, seeing as his terms are set to run out in the summer of 2025.
Nevertheless, Rodgers revealed in his pre-Hearts media conference that the former Kilmarnock man could be next in line for a new deal at the club.
The Irishman said: “I’d love to keep Greg here. It’s something that we’ve spoken about. It’s obviously up to the club and the agent to try and resolve. In the meantime, Greg’s focus is very much on the team.”
Contracts take time to iron out; however, one would suspect that Taylor will extend his stay in Glasgow at some point in the near future.