Scales and Engels prove Celtic trolls wrong, next up Balikwisha

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The Celtic Star

·4 novembre 2025

Scales and Engels prove Celtic trolls wrong, next up Balikwisha

Liam Scales is undoubtedly Celtic’s most consistent player this campaign thus far and has certainly proved his critics wrong….

Liam Scales during the Premier Sports Cup Semi Final match between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park on November 02, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

I’ve said it many times already this campaign, and I’m going to repeat it yet again, Liam Scales continues to prove myself and the rest of his many critics wrong, and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to state that he’s been our most consistent player thus far in season 2025/26.

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Yet again the Irishman produced a solid and impressive performance against theRangers in a pressure filled clash at the National stadium in Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final victory, which was even more impressive considering we were missing the presence of the ‘reliable’ Cameron Carter Vickers beside him in the centre of our defence.

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

There’s a belief that Liam only looks the part due to the influence of Celtic’s Big Strong Man beside him, but that claim has been shot to pieces this campaign, as it’s indeed Liam who looks the more reliable of all our centre backs, so it’s not a wild claim to state that he’s been our most consistent player this campaign to date.

He might have a few rough edges to his game, that are in need of sharpening, such as his passing, but tell me a centre-back that hasn’t got the odd flaw?

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

Liam has made great strides in a Celtic shirt, which is to his great credit as he has to contend with being consistently written off by plenty within our own support. To be seen as our most consistent player is a testament to not only his mentality, but his ability. Scales has earned our respect, even for those who are the most reluctant to admit that they got this one wrong.

Adam Idah of Celtic appears dejected after missing a penalty during the shootout Kairat Almaty v Celtic, UEFA Champions League, Play-Off Round, Second Leg, Football, Almaty Central Stadium, Almaty, Kazakhstan – 26 August 2025. Photo Nikita Bassov/Shutterstock

That’s the type of supporter who hounded Adam Idah until his confidence was shot, and who has been on Arne Engel’s case because of the price Celtic paid for him. Martin O’Neill’s not daft and he immediately restored Arne to the starting XI and played him in his best position. That’s not only improved his performances but has benefited both Callum McGregor and also Benjamin Nygren.

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

So the critics will move onto someone else, maybe Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who luckily for him doesn’t speak English so will miss out on much of the online commentary about his attributes.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha at Firhill. Partick Thistle v Celtic. Premier Sports League Cup. Sunday 21 September. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

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Don’t miss the chance to purchase the late, great Celtic historian David Potter’s final book. All remaining copies have been signed by the legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain PLUS you’ll also receive a FREE copy of David Potter’s Willie Fernie biography – Putting on the Style, and you’ll only be charged for postage on one book. Order from Celtic Star Books HERE.

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books