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Liam Scales

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Liam Scales
Scales training with Celtic in 2024
Personal information
Date of birth (1998-08-08) 8 August 1998 (age 26)
Place of birth Wicklow, Republic of Ireland
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[1]
Position(s) Centre-back, left-back
Team information
Current team
 Celtic
Number 5
Youth career
Arklow Town
2015 UCD
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2016–2019 UCD 93 (7)
2020–2021 Shamrock Rovers 39 (2)
2020 Shamrock Rovers II 1 (1)
2021– Celtic 52 (4)
2022–2023 → Aberdeen (loan) 31 (1)
International career‡
2019–2020 Republic of Ireland U21 6 (0)
2023– Republic of Ireland 9 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18:32, 15 December 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 19:01, 17 November 2024 (UTC)

Liam Scales (born 8 August 1998) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back or a left-back for Scottish Premiership club Celtic and the Republic of Ireland national team.

Personal life

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Born in Wicklow,[2] Scales is from Barndarrig, County Wicklow.[3] His father is from London.[2] He studied Irish and geography at University College Dublin.[3] He is a fluent Irish speaker.[4]

Club career

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Early career

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Scales began his career with Arklow Town before signing for UCD in 2015.[5] He made his League of Ireland debut on 8 July 2016 [6] and made over 100 appearances for the club, winning the Collingwood Cup[7] as well as the League of Ireland First Division title in 2018.[3] He was described as "a key player for UCD as they won the First Division title".[8] Scales was voted by his fellow League of Ireland First Division players into the PFAI First Division Team of the Year for 2018.[9]

In 2019 he underwent trials at English clubs Manchester City[10] and Bristol Rovers, with him seeming to be set to sign for the latter before the deal fell through.[11][12]

Shamrock Rovers

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He moved to Shamrock Rovers for the 2020 season,[13][14] and "played a significant part in their league success".[4] He also made seven appearances for the club in European competitions, scoring once,[15] and getting sent off on his European debut.[16] In July 2021 he was described as "the hottest property in the League of Ireland" and linked with a transfer away from the club.[17]

On 26 November 2021, he was named in the PFAI Team of the Year for 2021, as voted by his fellow players.[18]

Celtic

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After 51 appearances for Shamrock Rovers, Scales signed a four-year contract with Scottish club Celtic in August 2021.[19][20][21] On 23 September 2021, he made his debut for Celtic in a 3–0 win over Raith Rovers in the Scottish League Cup at Celtic Park.[22] Scales made his league debut on 5 December 2021, coming on as a substitute to score the third goal in Celtic's 3–0 away win at Dundee United.[23] On 24 February 2022, Scales started in a 2–0 away defeat against Eliteserien side Bodø/Glimt in the UEFA Europa Conference League.[24]

Aberdeen (loan)

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Scales went to Aberdeen for a season-long loan in June 2022.[25] This transfer caused controversy amongst a section of the Aberdeen support, who launched criticism at their board for continuing to sign players on loan from Celtic. Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin defended his signature, with him stating that: "I'm a big fan of the loan market as it gives you the opportunity to sign players that you would maybe not normally be able to afford. The size of club we are we want to be signing players on permanent contracts. That conversation was had with Celtic initially. We wanted to know what the number was and could we make it happen. Celtic are not willing to sell Liam at this moment".[26]

On 10 July 2022, Scales made his Aberdeen debut in a 2–0 Scottish League Cup win at Peterhead.[27] On 17 September 2022, Scales was sent off in 3–1 defeat at Hibernian after he was shown a second yellow card by referee David Dickinson.[28] Four months later he was shown red again in a 6–0 loss against the same opposition, a result that saw manager Jim Goodwin removed from his position shortly after the match.[29]

Scales first goal for Aberdeen was in a 2–0 win over Rangers.[30]

Return to Celtic

[edit]
Scales in 2023.

Scales was linked with a return to Aberdeen ahead of the 2023–24 season,[31] but became a Celtic first-team player following injuries to other players.[32][33] He became a regular player for Celtic following his return to the club in the 2023–24 season, and signed a new four-year contract in May 2024.[34][35]

International career

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Scales was a Republic of Ireland under-21 international,[5][19][36] winning six caps.[37]

He was called up to the Republic of Ireland senior team for the first time on 3 September 2021 alongside Alan Browne and Callum Robinson for the games against Azerbaijan and Serbia, with the trio replacing the injured Dara O'Shea, Nathan Collins and Shane Long.[38] On 19 September 2022, Scales was called up again for UEFA Nations League group matches against Scotland and Armenia after Andrew Omobamidele was ruled out due a groin injury.[39]

He was recalled by Ireland in October 2023.[40] On 13 October 2023, he made his senior international debut for the Republic of Ireland in a 2–0 defeat at against Greece at the Aviva Stadium.[41]

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny revealed on 7 November 2023 that Scales would be called up again as part of the squad to play against The Netherlands and New Zealand.[42]

On 10 October 2024, Scales scored his first goal for the Republic of Ireland, an equalising header against Finland, in a match that ended in a 2–1 win to the Republic of Ireland.[43]

Career statistics

[edit]
As of match played 15 December 2024[15]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup[a] League Cup[b] Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
UCD 2016 LOI First Division 13 2 2 1 0 0 — 0 0 15 3
2017 LOI First Division 24 1 1 0 1 0 — 2[c] 1 0 0
2018 LOI First Division 26 3 3 0 2 0 — 0 0 31 3
2019 LOI Premier Division 30 1 2 0 2 0 — 2[c] 0 36 1
Total 93 7 8 1 5 0 — 4 0 110 8
Shamrock Rovers 2020 LOI Premier Division 16 0 3 0 — 1[d] 0 — 20 0
2021 LOI Premier Division 23 2 1 0 — 6[e] 1 1[f] 1 31 4
Total 39 2 4 0 0 0 7 1 1 1 51 4
Shamrock Rovers II 2020 LOI First Division 1 1 — — — — 1 1
Celtic 2021–22[44] Scottish Premiership 5 1 2 1 2 0 4[g] 0 — 13 2
2022–23[45] Scottish Premiership 0 0 — — — — 0 0
2023–24[46] Scottish Premiership 34 1 5 0 0 0 6[h] 0 0 0 45 1
2024–25[47] Scottish Premiership 13 2 1 0 3 0 4[h] 1 0 0 21 3
Total 52 4 8 1 5 0 14 1 0 0 79 6
Aberdeen (loan) 2022–23[45] Scottish Premiership 31 1 1 0 7 0 — — 39 1
Career total 216 15 21 2 17 0 21 2 5 1 279 20
  1. ^ Includes FAI Cup & Scottish Cup
  2. ^ Includes League of Ireland Cup & Scottish League Cup
  3. ^ a b Appearances in the Leinster Senior Cup.
  4. ^ Appearances in the UEFA Europa League.
  5. ^ Two appearances in the UEFA Champions League; four appearances and one goal in the UEFA Europa Conference League
  6. ^ Appearances in the President of Ireland's Cup
  7. ^ Three appearances in the UEFA Europa League and one appearance in the UEFA Europa Conference League
  8. ^ a b Appearances in the UEFA Champions League

International

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As of match played 17 November 2024[15]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Republic of Ireland 2023 3 0
2024 6 1
Total 9 1
Scores and results list the Republic of Ireland's goal tally first.
List of international goals scored by Liam Scales
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 10 October 2024 Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland  Finland 1–1 2–1 2024–25 UEFA Nations League B

Honours

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UCD

Shamrock Rovers

Celtic

Individual

References

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  1. ^ "Liam Scales". Celtic FC.
  2. ^ a b McCadden, Mark (5 September 2024). "Ireland defender details which team his London-born dad will support on Saturday". Irish Mirror.
  3. ^ a b c Dempsey, Andrew (27 August 2021). "The Rapid Rise Of Liam Scales: From Arklow Town To The Doorstep Of Paradise". Balls.ie.
  4. ^ a b c O'Hehir, Paul (28 November 2020). "Liam Scales determined to end season of firsts with double glory". Irish Mirror.
  5. ^ a b "Liam Scales | Football Association of Ireland". www.fai.ie.
  6. ^ McDermott, John. "Season Review 2016 - UCD". extratime.com.
  7. ^ a b "UCD win the Collingwood Cup | Football Association of Ireland". www.fai.ie.
  8. ^ a b Dollery, Paul (4 March 2019). "'He's a top-class player and he will go and win league titles with other clubs'". The42.
  9. ^ a b "Double-winner Michael Duffy named PFAI Player of the Year following stellar season with Dundalk". the42.ie. 11 November 2018. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  10. ^ "UCD duo of Liam Scales and Neil Farrugia earn trial at Manchester City". independent. 23 April 2019.
  11. ^ Davis, Krishan (19 July 2019). "UCD manager says Liam Scales is set to sign for Bristol Rovers". BristolLive.
  12. ^ Byrom, David (2 August 2019). "Bristol Rovers step back from Liam Scales chase". DublinLive.
  13. ^ Malone, Emmet. "Ireland U21 defender Liam Scales joins Shamrock Rovers from UCD". The Irish Times.
  14. ^ Doyle, Stephen. "Shamrock Rovers sign highly-rated Irish U21 international Liam Scales". Off The Ball.
  15. ^ a b c Liam Scales at Soccerway. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  16. ^ "Europa League Report: Shamrock Rovers 2 - 2 Ilves Tampere (Shamrock Rovers win 12 - 11 on penalties AET)". extratime.com.
  17. ^ Cummins, Graham (16 July 2021). "Graham Cummins: Liam Scales now the hottest property in the League of Ireland". Irish Examiner.
  18. ^ a b "Bohs earn four spots on PFAI Team of the Year". 26 November 2021 – via www.rte.ie.
  19. ^ a b "Irish defender Scales joins Celtic". BBC Sport.
  20. ^ "Celtic confirm signing of Liam Scales from Shamrock Rovers". The Irish Times.
  21. ^ "Liam Scales completes Celtic switch on four-yeal deal". 27 August 2021 – via www.rte.ie. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  22. ^ "Ireland defender Liam Scales makes debut as Celtic ease past Raith Rovers". The42. Press Association. 23 September 2021.
  23. ^ FC, Celtic (5 December 2021). "Dominant and classy Celts show their cutting edge in victory". Celtic FC.
  24. ^ "Europa Conference League (Sky Sports)". Sky Sports. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  25. ^ "Celtic's Liam Scales joins Aberdeen on loan after Jayden Richardson moves to Pittodrie". BBC Sport. 21 June 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  26. ^ Young, Graeme (19 July 2022). "Aberdeen fans demand 'no more Celtic loans' in firm boardroom message". Daily Record. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  27. ^ "Premier Sports Cup (Sky Sports)". Sky Sports. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  28. ^ "Hibernian 3-1 Aberdeen: Josh Campbell scores twice in second half to help Hibs to comeback win". Sky Sports. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  29. ^ "Hibs thump Aberdeen as Goodwin's exit is confirmed". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  30. ^ "Aberdeen stun Rangers to move Celtic closer to title". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
  31. ^ Wallace, Sean (17 April 2023). "Aberdeen loan defender Liam Scales admits his future 'is out of my hands'".
  32. ^ Evans, Anthony (18 October 2023). "Liam Scales would have been 'happy' with Aberdeen return according to pundit". Aberdeen Live.
  33. ^ Britton, Ruaraidh (15 November 2023). "Liam Scales admits he expected Aberdeen return before landing Celtic chance". Aberdeen Live.
  34. ^ "Liam Scales: Celtic defender signs four-year deal". BBC Sport. 3 May 2024.
  35. ^ "Scales commits to Celtic with new four-year deal". 3 May 2024 – via www.rte.ie. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  36. ^ "Extratime.com - Extratime.ie - Liam Scales". www.extratime.com.
  37. ^ Dollery, Paul (27 August 2021). "Celtic boss tips Liam Scales for 'a big future' after reaching agreement to sign Irish defender". The42.
  38. ^ "Republic of Ireland call up Liam Scales, Callum Robinson and Alan Browne for Azerbaijan World Cup qualifier". Sky Sports.
  39. ^ Robertson, Euan (19 September 2022). "Liam Scales earns Ireland call up as Celtic loanee rewarded for Aberdeen form". footballscotland. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  40. ^ "Scales in Republic squad as Ferguson returns". BBC Sport.
  41. ^ Fallon, John (13 October 2023). "Liam Scales handed debut against Greece as Kenny chases elusive win". Irish Examiner.
  42. ^ EXCLUSIVE: Liam Scales to be named in ROI squad | Interview with Stephen Kenny, retrieved 7 November 2023
  43. ^ "'Always been top of the list': Liam Scales reflects on netting maiden Ireland goal". The Herald. 11 October 2024.
  44. ^ "Games played by Liam Scales in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  45. ^ a b "Games played by Liam Scales in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  46. ^ "Games played by Liam Scales in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
  47. ^ "Games played by Liam Scales in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  48. ^ https://www.pressreader.com/ireland/irish-daily-star/20211103/282617445972130 – via PressReader. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  49. ^ "Dundee United 1–1 Celtic: Ange Postecoglou's side reclaim league title". BBC Sport. 11 May 2022. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
  50. ^ "Hibernian 1–2 Celtic". BBC Sport.
  51. ^ "Celtic 3–3 Rangers: Line-ups". BBC Sport. 15 December 2024. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
  52. ^ "Celtic v Rangers: Watch Old Firm Scottish Cup final at Hampden". BBC Sport.
  53. ^ @PFAScotland (20 April 2024). "PFA Scotland on X: "🏆 PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year. As voted by the players, here's your selection for 23/24: Jack Butland James Tavernier Cameron Carter-Vickers Liam Scales Owen Beck Matt O'Riley John Lundstram Callum McGregor Bojan Miovski Lawrence Shankland Theo Bair" (Tweet). Retrieved 20 April 2024 – via Twitter.
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