Liam Scales believes Celtic were left disappointed not to take all three points from Ibrox after a cagey 0-0 draw with Rangers in the first Glasgow Derby of the season.
Celtic failed to register a shot on target until the second half and were second best in terms of attacking intent throughout the first 45 minutes. Despite that, they managed to keep Rangers at bay with a disciplined defensive display, and Scales was at the heart of it.
Speaking after the match, Scales addressed one of the game’s flashpoints in the first half when Bojan Miovski went to ground in the box after a coming-together.
Having previously played alongside Miovski at Aberdeen, Scales knows all about the striker’s game, and wasn’t shy in pointing out what he saw as a clear attempt to con the referee.
He said: (Sky Sports), “I think with VAR and everything, I don’t think it could have been.
“Even if the ref gave it, it probably would have been overturned.
“He’s good at that, using his body. He’s smart. He slows down, tries to get his legs in that angle.
“You could say it’s diving. He initiates contact well, so you just have to be careful with that.
Celtic’s defence came out of the Ibrox derby with some credit, but the lack of spark in the final third has been a recurring theme already this season. With the transfer window closing in hours, attention now turns to whether reinforcements will arrive to support the likes of Scales and Carter‑Vickers, who have been carrying the load in these tight fixtures.
The Irishman’s cool-headed response to Miovski’s first-half theatrics showed a calmness Celtic needed more of across the park. It also gave a subtle dig at the Rangers striker’s gamesmanship, calling it smart, but not quite honest.
For now, Celtic remain unbeaten and top of the table on goal difference, but it’s clear this team is still some way off its best. The hope for fans will be that the next time Scales is discussing a derby post-match, it won’t be after another frustrating 90 minutes without a goal.
