“I just want to be in the team. That’s all I care about,” Liam Scales

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The Celtic Star

·6. Dezember 2025

“I just want to be in the team. That’s all I care about,” Liam Scales

Liam Scales says he’s prepared to adapt to whatever tactical adjustments Wilfried Nancy introduces as he implements his new approach at Celtic…

Liam Scales of Celtic under pressure from Cameron Congreve of Dundee Celtic v Dundee, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 3 December 2025. Photo IMAGO Mark Runnacles Shutterstock

Nancy reported to Lennoxtown on Thursday to formally start his role as Celtic manager, where he met staff and players and explored the training complex alongside his coaching team. With a top of the table clash against Hearts looming tomorrow afternoon, the Frenchman has little opportunity to settle in or quickly impose his ideas on the team.

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Celtic heading towards a three-at-the-back system

However, significant tactical shifts are anticipated as time goes on. At Columbus Crew, Nancy frequently deployed a 3-4-2-1 setup, and it appears probable that Celtic will ultimately transition toward a three-at-the-back system. Scales insists that won’t be an issue, as he and Auston Trusty are already working together at the centre of Celtic’s defence.

Liam Scales – St Mirren v Celtic, 23 November 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Speaking via RTE, the Ireland international said: “I’ve played in back threes, I’ve played in back fives, I’ve played in back fours. I’ve played left wing back recently. I’ve played on the left and in the centre of a back three.

“For me, I just want to be in the team. That’s all I care about. It doesn’t bother me about formations and systems as long as I’m in the team and I can do a job in whatever position I’m playing. If that’s how it’s going to be, I just have to adapt and then I’ll learn and do it quickly.”

Liam Scales of Republic of Ireland celebrates his sides third goal scored by Troy Parrott of Republic of Ireland (not pictured) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Hungary and Republic of Ireland at on November 16, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

Scales doesn’t know too much about the new Celtic manager

Scales appears entirely unfazed by the changes surrounding Nancy’s arrival. He admits he’s been so focused on Celtic’s recent run of matches that he hasn’t had much chance to find out a great deal about his new manager.

“I haven’t had time,” Scales admitted. “It’s been so busy. Obviously, we know bits and pieces, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves. We needed to focus on the games that we have had, and now is the time where we’re going to have to really focus in on the tactical changes and whatever he wants us to do.

“It’s hard to do homework on someone you’ve never met because you don’t want to create a false idea of them. It’s better just to wait and leave them and really learn from them in person.

Liam Scales. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

“I think naturally players are going to want to impress now in the next few days and impress in the next few games as well. I think that is going to be positive for us, 100 per cent. Not that we weren’t trying to impress the lads now, it’s just natural when a new manager comes in, and people want to be on the team. It’s going to be exciting.”

Scales will be one of the first name’s on Nancy’s teamsheet

Nancy has watched enough of Celtic over the past month or so to appreciate the importance of Liam Scales to this Celtic team. He’ll be one of the first names on Wilfried’s first team sheet just after Callum McGregor.

Conor Spence

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