Liam Scales has admitted that competition for places at the heart of Celtic’s defence remains fierce, but insists it’s all healthy and respectful among the group.
The 26-year-old started his second successive match since returning from injury, with Brendan Rodgers opting to bring him back into the fold alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers. During Scales’ spell on the sidelines, both Auston Trusty and Maik Nawrocki had been given opportunities to partner Carter-Vickers, and the performances of both have kept the pressure firmly on.
Dane Murray was close to getting a chance, but injury ruled him out.
However, Scales has welcomed the challenge and underlined the strong camaraderie within the defensive unit.
Speaking about the competition, he said: “We’re all friends, but it’s competition, and we are all in competition for the two places,” Scales said to TCW.
“I think that it is healthy, but we’re all friends, and I’m not going to sit and say that we’re not. The competition is there, and we know that the goal is to play, but it’s good.”
The Irishman has enjoyed a solid campaign overall, establishing himself as a key part of Rodgers’ plans before injury halted his run. He’s managed to keep £6m summer signing Auston Trusty out of the side.
Now back fit and fighting for a starting berth, Scales is focused on finishing the season strongly as Celtic edge closer to securing another league title and eye up further silverware in the Scottish Cup.
With crucial matches still to come, Rodgers will be pleased to see a squad where competition is pushing standards up across the board, especially in such an important area of the pitch.
