‘Arguably he’s been our best player’ ‘throws his body about’ ‘loves a tackle’ Johnston’s praise for unlikely Celtic hero

Liam Scales has won his toughest battle- gaining the full respect of his Celtic peers.

Had Brendan Rodgers’ squad not been hit with a run of injuries in central defence the Irishman could well have been sold during the summer transfer window.

It was hardly a planned introduction to first team football but often sport is about taking advantage of circumstances.

With Cameron Carter-Vickers, Stephen Welsh and Maik Nawrocki all out injured Celtic moved to bring in Nat Phillips on loan from Liverpool.

Phillips was expected to make his debut at Ibrox on September 3 but his lack of match fitness opened the door for Scales who left Ibrox with his reputation sky high as many fans Man of the Match as Celtic secured a victory against the odds.

The former Shamrock Rovers man continued that form against Feyenoord with Alistair Johnston telling The Sun:

Liam Scales has been unbelievable coming into this role. A lot of people probably felt they’d never see him in a Celtic kit again, but arguably he’s been our best player these past couple of matches.

Of course, we have guys like Cameron Carter-Vickers coming back and the big names who have been mainstays in this team the past couple of years and also in our Treble campaign.

That is something that definitely gives us confidence, especially going into the rest of these games.

I’ve been really impressed with his composure on the ball. He’s been better on the ball than I could have imagined. Again, he is one of those guys who hasn’t shied away from the moment.

He throws his body about, gets in there and loves a tackle. He’s one of those guys who plays for the badge and you never knock that.

Scales started out in Rotterdam alongside Gus Lagerbielke and finished being partnered by Tomoki Iwata.

With the Swede suspended for the match against Lazio it could be partner number three with Phillips coming in to face the Italians.