Liam Scales scored a wonderful goal for Celtic this afternoon against Raith Rovers.
Celtic face Raith Rovers in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup today.
Raith Rovers have recently been in the news for the wrong reasons. The club signed David Goodwillie, then doubled down on the signing when facing backlash. Eventually, Goodwillie left the club without ever playing a game.
Scales moved to Celtic late in the transfer window. He was a regular starter for Shamrock Rovers up until August after moving to the Tallaght club from UCD in 2019. The 23-year-old reportedly cost a fee in the region of £500,000. And while he hasn't featured every week for his new side, whenever he has played he has impressed.
Not only that, he's quickly putting together a very impressive highlight reel.
Ooh that's a beauty from Liam Scales! 😍
A fantastic strike in off the post from the edge of the box to put @CelticFC in front 🍀 pic.twitter.com/tSxVrC0ng2
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) February 13, 2022
Scales is a left back who can play inside as part of a three and as a left wing back. His delivery from the wing and his comfort in attacking positions suggest his long-term outlook will be as a wing back. He's the prototype fullback in today's high-pressing, attacking era of football.
His technical ability on the ball has allowed him to deliver sumptuous crosses into the box from deep and the byline, while he's now scored two goals in six games in Scotland.
🙌 Scales ➡️ Giakoumakis! 🙌 #ScottishCup | #ALLCEL | #COYBIG 🍀pic.twitter.com/faOVrUIrvS
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 22, 2022
He also has an assist or two, including this perfect ball into the box for Giorgos Giakoumakis.
Scales previously played for Stephen Kenny's under-21 side. He was a standout player for Kenny at that level. Kenny will need Scales to play more often in Scotland if he is to pick him for Ireland. But the opportunity is there. James McClean is a make-shift left back or left wing back, while Enda Stevens no longer has a stranglehold on the starting spot.
"He's just got it spectacularly wrong" - Lawrenson on David Moyes.
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