Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Fri 29 May 2026 9:15, UK

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Liam Scales has earned high praise away from Celtic after impressing in the Republic of Ireland’s 1-0 win over Qatar on Thursday.

Nathan Collins’ header was the difference between the sides on the night, which would have been far more comfortable if not for Jack Moylan’s red card before the break.

Scales was all but omnipresent for Celtic this season, making 56 appearances across all competitions and failing to appear in just three games as they did the double.

The defender has faced criticism at times, but the trust shown in him by Martin O’Neill in the most crucial part of the season is evidence enough of his standing at Parkhead.

Celtic’s next manager has been given something to think about, after Scales was deployed in a different position by Heimir Hallgrimsson.

Irish media hail Liam Scales

Scales signed a new contract with Celtic in April, extending his terms at Parkhead until the summer of 2030 with an option for an additional year.

The past season saw the 27-year-old pass 150 appearances for the Hoops, with nearly all of those coming in the centre of defence.

O’Neill was clearly a supporter of Scales keeping that role, but the Northern Irishman will be replaced this summer and the next manager will have something to think about.

Playing for Ireland on Thursday, the defender was situated in the position he has recently picked up for his nation of late – left wing-back.

It is a bizarre position switch for a central defender, but somehow, it works. The Celtic man was everywhere for the home side on Thursday, completing two successful dribbles, two tackles, winning six duels and a free-kick.

Scales was awarded player of the match for his efforts, and the Irish media were in agreement on his performance. The Irish Mirror gave him an eight out of 10 for an “industrious” display, while Balls gave the same rating and wrote that he was “excellent” at both ends of the pitch.

This evening’s @SkyIreland Player of the Match!

Well played, Liam 👏 pic.twitter.com/rWUtpRonzi

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) May 28, 2026

The Irish Sun also gave an eight out of 10, and wrote that the 27-year-old “looks to have made the left wing-back position his own.”

Heimir Hallgrimsson’s explanation for Scales decision

Scales first found himself deployed on the left of the midfield during Ireland’s World Cup qualifiers last year.

The move immediately looked a masterstroke, with the 27-year-old assisting goals for Troy Parrott in wins over Portugal and Hungary.

Liam Scales had never notched an assist in an Ireland jersey…

Until last month’s crucial FIFA World Cup 26 Qualifiers 😅💯

Stepping up from centre back in the big moments 👏🅰️ pic.twitter.com/8J6BEN8aVI

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) December 16, 2025

“Yeah, he told me, he told me he was happy with his position and how all defenders like to go forward once in a while,” Hallgrimsson said, when asked about the switch.

“Let’s hope he takes his chances. He will definitely play a key role in, in possession for us. He’s good if he can get in as many times in the box as possible. That’s another good thing.

“But also when they will deliver crosses on the far post when we are defending and it’s good to have a guy that is used to heading the ball away, at the far post.”