IRELAND AND Celtic defender Liam Scales has been criticised for his performance against Rangers in Thursday’s Old Firm derby.
The ex-Shamrock Rovers centre-back was at fault for the opening goal in the 3-0 loss, giving the ball away in the build-up, and former Gers player-turned-pundit Kris Boyd suggested it was a bad day overall for the Wicklow native.
“I think this was the start of it,” Boyd said on the first goal by Ianis Hagi.
“Liam Scales, I think he had one of his worst performances in a Celtic jersey and that was the start of it there.
“That [goal] kind of set the tone. Rangers were on the front foot asking questions. Celtic really struggled to deal with Rangers, especially in attacking areas today.”
Scales has generally exceeded expectations since breaking into the Celtic side at the beginning of the 2023-24 campaign, having initially looked to be on his way out of the club after being sent on loan to Aberdeen the season before.
The 26-year-old has made over 80 appearances for the Bhoys, starring in the Champions League group stages in addition to winning two league titles, two Scottish League Cups and the Scottish Cup in that period.
However, he had some difficult moments this season, with US international Auston Trusty sometimes preferred at centre-back and the Irishman missing out on some big Champions League games.
Scales appeared to win his place back in the starting XI, after impressing off the bench during last month’s League Cup final defeat of Rangers.
Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson will be hoping Scales, first choice for his country at centre-back of late, continues to get plenty of time ahead of some crucial World Cup qualifiers later this year.
Celtic remain top of the Scottish Premiership table, 11 points clear of their Glasgow rivals, following their first league defeat of the season.
Yes he was awful. But so were the rest of the team, and i will include the manager as well.
@Michael Carroll: Game plan all wrong Michael. Slow to the ball, losing out on second ball, not using the wings, played into Rangers hands. Scales not at the game at all!!
MOT
Like he’s the first defender ever to make a mistake??? He’s played worse for Rovers in the past – was at fault for at least 3 of the goals in the Covid Cup final against Dundalk-that didn’t stop him from driving on and improving his game.
I’d also take criticism from an ex-Rangers player with a grain of salt.
@James: yesterday was a good as it will get for them. Let them enjoy the win the game on January 3rd cup. It will be folklore for them.
Himself and Shane Duffy have it common.
Unfortunately i do think he will be the scapegoat after this defeat! Lot of the parkhead faithful weren’t convinced about him all along, the performance yesterday will only add to the perception he isn’t good enough.
@ Ollie Fitzpatrick. Like i said Ollie the whole lot of them were brutal. I agree that Scales was exceptionally bad and the manager didnt do anything about it.
@Michael Carroll: Worst Celtic display in yonks Michael. Pity it was against “Them”. Hopefully it will push Rogers into different game plans rather than becoming a one trick pony!!!
One bad game and stones being thrown. Every sports star has a bad day. Now moving on
@Simon Dwyer: Agreed Simon. Alas when a team has a bad day, someone will inevitably get a pasting. Unfortunately for Liam, his performance on the day stood out for the wrong reasons and ultimately he gets a bit of a doing.
He will bounce back, but may find his starting berth limited, especially if Tierney bought a return ticket!!!
Idah was rubbish too. 2nd goal was his fault, stood in from of Kasper.
@conor carroll: Idah is rubbish.
@James Johnson: he seems lazy
@James Johnson: go back to whistling “God save the King” and building your pallet bonfire for 12/07/2025! See will you be commenting in May when the trophy is home in Paradise, Billyboy!!!
@Ollie Fitzpatrick: Now now Oliver, no need to take it to a personal level.
@James Johnson: You started it!!
Two poor Teams