Born in the Republic of Ireland on 8th August 1998, the 26-year-old Liam Scales has been pivotal to Celtic's defensive force. As a central defender standing at 6ft 2in (1.88m), the number 5's presence on the pitch is formidable. Rounding up to a solid 13st 5lb (85kg), Scales' physical stature coincides with his ability to man the backline. His talent extends beyond the domestic sphere, having represented the Republic of Ireland at the national level.
According to Transfermarkt, Scales' current market value stands at approximately £3.00m, a figure that mirrors his significance in Scottish football. With his contract with Celtic set to reach its conclusion on 31st May 2028, the defender has around 3 years and 3 months left to showcase his worth to the Parkhead outfit.
His career began in earnest with UCD, competing in Ireland's First Division, in January 2017. During his debut season in 2019, Scales earned 30 first team appearances and found the back of the net once. The following year saw Scales move from UCD to Shamrock Rovers, a team contesting in the Premier Division of Irish football. During his time at Rovers, which spanned the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Scales made 39 first team appearances and added two goals to his tally.
The Irishman then made the journey to Celtic in the Scottish Premiership in August 2021 for an undisclosed fee. Throughout the 2021-2022 season, Scales made limited appearances but managed to net once in his five matches. The 2023-2024 season observed a significant escalation in Scales' contribution to Celtic, with 34 first team appearances and a goal. The current season, 2024-2025, witnesses Scales maintain his solid presence at Celtic, with 21 first team appearances and two goals thus far.
In July 2022, amidst his tenure at Celtic, Scales was loaned out to fellow Scottish Premiership side, Aberdeen. His time there yielded 31 first team appearances and one goal during the 2022-2023 season. Following his successful loan spell, Scales found himself back in Celtic, where he reassumed his role in the heart of the Hoops' defence.
Scales contributions extend to international and cup games as well. For Republic of Ireland, he made three starts in the Euro Qualifiers between 2022 and 2024 and scored once in four starts in the 2024-2025 Nations League. His performances in the Celtic jersey during cup runs include a single start in the 2024-2025 League Cup and two substitute appearances, additionally, a start and a substitute appearance in the 2024-2025 Scottish Cup. His endeavour in the Champions League for Celtic features six starts in the 2023-2024 season, and in the current 2024-2025 campaign, four starts and two substitute appearances with one goal scored.
