Brendan Rodgers paid tribute to Liam Scales post-match after the Irish defender impressed again this afternoon against St Johnstone at Hampden in his second consecutive start.

Scales, who returned to the starting XI last weekend against Kilmarnock with a strong showing, would take things up a gear at Hampden, driving forward with the ball into space and playing line-splitting passes, with one leading to Adam Idah’s goal after Scales found Reo Hatate in the box, who then squared it to Idah.

The Irish defender has proven to be a revelation, with his return to the starting XI coinciding with Celtic’s resurgence, including 10 goals in 2 games and just one freak goal conceded.

Rodgers watched Scales’ performance closely this afternoon. He was impressed with how Scales played, made important tackles, and helped the team move the ball forward.

He said: (TCW), “Yes, I think when you’re playing against that system where it’s so important that your two centre-halves are able to step in and distribute the ball with that quality.

“And Liam did that. He’s a fantastic player. Liam makes the great ball, but it only goes in there because of the run.

“Reo’s run was there and he squares it and it’s a good finish.”

Scales has shown why he deserves to start week in, week out, like those around him, Greg Taylor. The pair have shown that Auston Trusty and Jeffrey Schlupp weren’t able to live up to the high standards required to be in the starting XI every game, unlike Scales and Taylor, who, at this stage of the season, last year thrived.

It’s been quite the message from Scales to Rodgers: ‘I’m ready to start and step up when others simply haven’t been good enough.’

For Rodgers, he may look to sign another defender in the summer, but Scales has shown that he is here to stay. Despite problems with injuries, he isn’t giving up his place in the starting XI without a fight.