Celtic defender Liam Scales helped keep a clean sheet despite the Hoops going down to 10 men just half an hour into the game against Livingston on Saturday.
Joe Hart was given a straight red card after taking down Mohammed Sangare outside of the box, but it didn’t end up affecting the result.
Brendan Rodgers’s side actually scored more goals in the second half, with both Mat O’Riley and Daizen Maeda getting on the scoresheet. However, supporters on X were especially impressed with how Scales managed the game alongside Gustaf Lagerbielke in the centre of defence:
September @SPFL player of the month for me
— Steven Daley (@DaleySteven) September 23, 2023
I really rate him. However, I don’t think he’ll get as many minutes when CCV and Nawrocki are back. A loan out in January would do him good imo. Keep him ticking over.
— Craig Fairlie (@CraigFairlie) September 23, 2023
Personally I’d have him playing with ccv
— kenny (@kenny09532820) September 23, 2023
Think he'll get better too, surely playing thinking this is short lived but if he gets a run I think he'll suit the team
— Ryan Cruickshanks (@Ryan4of) September 23, 2023
He might be an option long term.
— Duncan McKay (@DuncanMcKay1888) September 24, 2023
He can't be dropped at the moment
— 🏴 Andy 🏴 (@andybhoy801) September 23, 2023
Taking his chance just like Ralston , great players to have in the squad HH
— Kevin Hale (@KevinHa25998286) September 24, 2023
Scales has given Rodgers something to think about
An injury crisis in the centre of defence led to Scales getting playing opportunities but it would be very harsh to drop him at the moment, considering the form he is showing.
Nat Phillips could be ready to play Motherwell next weekend after sitting out the trip to the Toni Macaroni Arena with an ankle problem, Cameron Carter-Vickers is expected to be available again at the start of next month, while Maik Nawrocki is slightly further away from making his return.
Although you would expect Carter-Vickers to regain his place straight away, there is now a case to be made that Scales should be his centre-back partner.
His time away from Celtic has clearly helped
There were some who had already written off Scales after he was loaned out to Aberdeen at the start of last season.
However, the 39 appearances he made for the Dons have clearly helped the Irishman develop his game and the Hoops are now reaping the benefits.
