Liam Scales can hold his head up high whether he’s in Celtic’s starting eleven or not.

Last night, I joined the Graham Spiers podcast show, and one of the main talking points was the central defensive line-up—specifically, whether it’s fair to leave Liam Scales out of the side.

Spiers, Andrew Smith from The Scotsman, and I all agreed that while he might feel a bit unlucky, it’s not entirely unreasonable. Reflecting on this discussion, I’ve found myself re-evaluating my own thoughts on Scales’ place in the team.

It’s remarkable how a player can undergo such a transformation in the eyes of fans. Just over a year ago, most of us saw Scales as squad filler at best. But then came the game at Ibrox—a match where we were dealing with an injury crisis, and few expected a positive result. Scales was thrown into the line-up, thrust into the spotlight, and not only did he play exceptionally well, but he earned a spot in the side and kept it, edging out two multi-million-pound signings.

Since then, one of those big-money defenders has moved on, and the other has barely featured. The club would likely move him on if they could find a buyer. And yet, here’s Scales, a player we signed for a modest fee from Shamrock Rovers and even sent out on loan to Aberdeen, still holding his place. He’s even kept out our £6 million summer signing, Auston Trusty.

Truthfully, I didn’t expect Scales to feature as much as he has this season, and I certainly didn’t expect to be as impressed with him as I have been. But he’s continued to grow as a player, showing resilience, intelligence, and a cool head under pressure.

During the podcast, I mentioned an article I wrote before that game at Ibrox, saying Scales would face a trial by fire. And ever since, Celtic fans have put him through test after test, with him passing every single one. He’s proven himself time and again, and it’s only fair to say he’s earned our respect.

So, yes, I do think he was unlucky to be dropped for the Aberdeen game and then the recent European fixture. But I don’t believe he’ll be disheartened by it, nor should he be. Rodgers has been clear about his intent to rotate the squad, meaning Scales will have plenty of opportunities. In fact, I’d expect him to start this weekend against Kilmarnock on their plastic pitch. Even with the international break coming, we won’t risk Carter Vickers on that.

I like the Trusty-Carter-Vickers partnership; it has a solid balance and an extra yard of pace, which suits the high defensive line we play. Scales may not have that same burst of speed, but he brings something crucial to the side—reliability and a knack for rising to the occasion.

He’s an indispensable member of this squad, and while he may not start every game, no player at Celtic is guaranteed that right now. Even our record signing, Arne Engels, will spend time on the bench, as will Adam Idah, who cost us £9 million.

As Rodgers often points out, that’s the reality of playing for a big club like Celtic.

Scales understands this, and with his new deal in place, he knows he’s valued here. He has our appreciation and respect, and he’s earned it from all of us, and so far, he is having a hell of a good second season in the side. He will get plenty of games as we progress.

You can listen to the Spiers podcast at the link below.

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