Jim Goodwin could present Ange Postecoglou with a central defensive solution in 12 months time.
On Day One of pre-season training Liam Scales was brought in on loan from Celtic as the former St Mirren boss began a complete overhaul of the Aberdeen squad.
Scales arrived at Celtic from Shamrock Rovers in August 2021 as a left-sided defender or left wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation but those options weren’t available at the Glasgow hoops..
Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt were quickly established as Ange Postecoglou’s first choice defensive partnership with Stephen Welsh as back-up. All three are right-footed, played on the left Starfelt has rarely looked comfortable bringing the ball out from defence.
Scales appeared to be on a rota of players tried at left-back but at the turn of the year Greg Taylor established himself as first pick with Scales failing to make a single appearance following the Europa Conference defeat away to Bodo Glimt.
Goodwin told the Daily Record:
Obviously we wanted to freshen things up and reduce the average age because it was too high when I came in. We’ve added more pace I think which is a huge part of the modern game. The boys are building really good relationships there.
I think Scales and Stewart, in particular, seem to get on really well together, not just on the training pitch or on the park but around the place socialising which is a huge part of it.
In my opinion his best position is centre-back. That’s where I saw him for Shamrock Rovers. I made a bid as St Mirren manager but couldn’t meet the valuation Rovers had put on him.
Celtic brought him in and played him at left-back and when you dominate the ball as well as they do, he can play that position. I’m not trying to tell Celtic anything but in my opinion I prefer him at centre-back
Making the jump from Shamrock Rovers to the Celtic first team is a huge task, if Scales can put together an outstanding season with Goodwin at Aberdeen he will be better equipped to challenge for a place at Celtic next season.
