Liam Scales isn’t letting the upcoming Old Firm clash get to him, not after navigating through tough challenges at Ibrox and facing off against the likes of Antoine Griezmann in the Champions League.
Under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers, the Celtic defender has shown remarkable growth this season, solidifying his place in the starting lineup after nearly departing last summer. Scales stepped up during an injury crisis last September against Rangers, contributing significantly to Celtic’s 1-0 victory.
Since then, the Irishman has thrived, forming a strong partnership with Cameron Carter-Vickers and earning accolades like a spot on the PFA Scotland team of the year and a new four-year contract. Reflecting on the crucial Ibrox test, Scales acknowledged its significance in shaping his Celtic journey, stating, “It proved to people I was up for the challenge. It was a turning point for me.”
His mettle was further tested in the rigorous Champions League environment, where he found himself up against top-tier competition. Recalling those moments, Scales shared, “I felt capable of performing at that level. The adrenaline rush it gave me was immense, but facing players like Griezmann was a reality check.”
Although Griezmann won’t be his opponent this weekend, Scales remains focused on the task at hand against Rangers. With Carter-Vickers by his side, he aims to contribute to Celtic’s push for a favorable result as they strive for Premiership success.
The American player faced a significant portion of the season on the sidelines due to injury troubles following surgery towards the end of the previous term. However, it’s evident that his return to fitness and peak performance has been instrumental in steering Celtic back on course.
Despite being just 26 years old, the reserved figure at Parkhead, Carter-Vickers, is perceived by Scales as a towering figure and potential future leader at the club. Scales envisions a scenario where his colleague transitions from the field to the managerial dugout.
Speaking highly of Carter-Vickers, Scales expressed, “He’s exceptional. We engage in numerous discussions about our matches. Despite his unassuming demeanor, he delves deep into game analysis, showcasing exceptional football acumen. I learn valuable insights from him every week, be it about positioning or handling different opponents. He’s truly exceptional, a top-notch player.”
Commenting on Carter-Vickers’ coaching potential, Scales added, “Observing him, it’s evident he approaches the game with a profound level of thought. I believe he has the makings of a future manager. While he may not see it yet, I can foresee him transitioning into such a role. He still has many playing years ahead, and I hope to share the pitch with him for a long time.”
The duo’s contribution will be pivotal in the upcoming fixture, especially after Celtic’s recent clean sheet against Hearts provided a much-needed morale boost. Despite some narrow victories and defensive shortcomings in recent games, Rodgers’ team has been resilient, losing only once since December.
Scales emphasized the importance of a solid defense, stating, “We have been focusing significantly on our defensive capabilities. Clean sheets hold immense value, as they secure points and victories. Strengthening our defense is a top priority, and we are striving towards a more robust defensive display. A consistent run of positive results is our goal till the season’s end.”