Liam Scales Celtic contract situation addressed as Brendan Rodgers has say on defender's future

The Irish centre-half has become a first-team regular and his deal expires at the end of the season

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers expects the club to open talks with defender Liam Scales over a new contract.

The Irish centre-half has become a first-team regular this season after injuries to Cameron Carter-Vickers, Stephen Welsh and Maik Nawrocki – plus the departure of Carl Starfelt – gave Scales the opportunity to play for Celtic. On loan at Aberdeen last season, the 25-year-old has started Celtic’s last 15 matches and with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season, Rodgers anticipates discussions with his representatives in due course.

“I think it’s something that I’m sure the club and his representative will look at,” said Rodgers. “It doesn’t sit with me when players are going down to the final stages of their contracts. I think you only need to look at the fact that I’ve chosen him to play very consistently in games. There are also players back now fit that are pushing him but he’s still performing to a high level. As I said to him, it’s about consistency. Keep showing that you can be consistent and stay focused. But there’s no doubt that he’s stepped in and done really well.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been impressed with Liam Scales this season.

Scales is currently away with the Republic of Ireland senior squad after making his full debut last month against Greece. The left-sided player was signed from Shamrock Rovers in 2021 and originally found it difficult to break into the team under previous manager Ange Postecoglou, but is now a firm favourite under Rodgers.