Scales stock goes through the roof, Liam mutes his Celtic critics | OneFootball

Liam Scales is enjoying a superb season at Celtic, and now he’s extended that good form to international level, as he played his part in helping The Republic of Ireland earn a World Cup play off spot after a dramatic win in Hungary, with Liam assisting Troy Parrot’s last gasp winner.

Liam Scales of Republic of Ireland is challenged by Loic Nego and Roland Sallai of Hungary 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)

The Celtic defender also starred in The Republic’s impressive win over Cristiano Ronaldo’s all star Portuguese side on Thursday night, notching yet another assist, in a game where the Portuguese legend received his marching orders.

Scales a frontrunner for Celtic POTY

Liam has long been the subject of criticism by a section of the Celtic support, but he’s proved beyond doubt that he’s more than just a squad player in this Celtic side, and indeed the Ireland side for that matter. These’s days he’s one of the first names on the team-sheet for club and country and as things currently stand he is probably the frontrunner for Celtic’s Player of the Year this season.

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)

Rodgers kept Scales at Celtic despite Barry Robson’s best efforts

Showing his class in Celtic colours, not just domestically but in Europe also, and starring for The Republic of Ireland on the World Cup stage is yet another feather in the former Shamrock Rovers man’s cap. After spending a period on loan from Celtic up at Aberdeen, Barry Robson then the manager at Pittdorie, was on the phone repeatedly to Brendan Rodgers trying to secure Scales in a £500k deal in the summer of 2023.

Rodgers though was reluctant to part with Scales and instead turned him into a key member of his Celtic team. That player development will have seen Scales’ value soar from the half million on offer from the North East.

Nelson Semedo of Portugal runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Liam Scales of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Portugal at Aviva Stadium on November 13, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Liam’s stock continues to rise

These day’s Liam Scales very much looking like the real deal in defence and as a goal threat in the opposition’s box as both Portugal and Hungary have just discovered.

We always worry about other sides from more competitive leagues looking at our players. As Liam’s stock continues to rise, then he will undoubtedly start to attract interest. Scales has kept a £7m signing in Auston Trusty out of the Celtic team on merit – the two are now a pairing due to Cameron Carter-Vickers’ Achilles injury – but left-footed Trusty is now playing on the right hand side of Celtic central defence.

Liam Scales of Celtic celebrates with Colby Donovan of Celtic after scoring to tie the game 1-1. Celtic v Sturm Graz, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Celtic Park, 23 October 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

Scales has made the left centre-half position his own at Celtic and on Thursday night he showed that he is also competent as a left back. That does nothing to lower his transfer valuation, quite the opposite in fact.

To his doubters and critics, occasionally one or two will say ‘hands up, I got it wrong’ but the vast majority just give up and move onto their next target. But if Scales makes an error, up they’ll pop with their criticism and their  ‘told you so’ gloat.

This is what last night means to the Irish…

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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