LIAM SCALES reveals it has been fun and games since Martin O’Neill’s dramatic return to Celtic as interim boss a month ago.
However, the Republic of Ireland international centre-back also admits the comeback gaffer is deadly serious in making sure the champions come out of a difficult period with a complete focus on winning games and heading in the right direction.
As O’Neill prepares to bring to a halt his seven-games tenure at the club in tomorrow’s Premiership encounter against Hibs at Easter Road, Scales said: “A lot of it with the manager has been about trying to bring a bit of confidence into the squad.
“I think it’s clear to see he’s done that.
“In everything he says and does, he’s clear that we’re top players, we can all play and do well for this club and win games in Europe and win games in the league.
WINNING AND GRINNING…Yang Hyun-jun leads the lap of honour as the players acknowledge the Celtic fans following the 3-1 Europa League win over Feyenoord in Rotterdam.
“I think just his ability to instil confidence in the team. How he speaks and how he comes across has been really impressive. I think that will definitely help. Sometimes going back to basics is the best thing you can do.
“He’s fully focused on defenders defending first. In a modern game, that can change at times, but it’s been refreshing to be part of that and to have that comfort that if you defend well, he’s going to be happy with you.
“It’s been mainly around building that confidence back and I think he’s done a great job. You saw that on the pitch the other night. The coach and staff have been excellent, as well.”
Scales, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “He’s funny and has got a good sense of humour, but it’s not all been relaxed.
“There have been times where he’s had to inject a bit of aggression and that happens with every manager.
“In a time of uncertainty, for someone to come in and head the club and lead the players, I don’t think you could have found a better person to do that at Celtic.
HANDS UP IF YOU’RE HAPPY…Martin O’Neill salutes the Celtic support after the 3-1 Premier Sports League Cup semi-final win at Hampden.
“All managers are different, so it’s been interesting to work with someone with a different type of style. He’s very good at speaking and I think that’s what has given us confidence.
“Every time he speaks, there’s always a little bit of humour or he’ll take the mick out of someone, but it’s all in the right ways. It gives people a chance to just laugh. It improves the mood, I suppose.”
Scales, who has been one of the club’s most consistent performers in a rollercoaster campaign, added: “I don’t think Martin necessarily needed to come back to improve his legacy.
“You saw the reaction of the fans when it was announced and it’s been a pleasure to work with him.
“I think probably just his relationship and history with the club, he felt maybe at a time of need, it was time for him to come in and do what he’s done.
“It wasn’t something he needed to do, but I think it’s his love for the club and his love for the game, as well. You can tell from talking to him how much he loves football and I think coming back in, I’d say he’s enjoyed it.”
The champions now travel to the capital where, ironically, Rodgers had his final game as Celtic boss in the 3-1 loss to Hearts at Tynecastle on October 26.
ON THE BALL…Liam Scales has been one of Celtic most consistent performers this season.
Twenty-four hours later, he resigned and O’Neill answered the call to return and, just 48 hours, guided the team to a 4-0 win over Falkirk at Parkhead.
That was the first of three Premiership successes including victories over Kilmarnock (4-0) and St Mirren (1-0).
There was also a 3-1 Premier Sports League Cup semi-final win over Rangers to set up the showpiece showdown with Stephen Robinson’s Paisley outfit at Hampden a fortnight tomorrow.
And the Hoops were smiles better as they saw off Feyenoord 3-1 in Rotterdam on Thursday just a fortnight after losing his only game so far, the 3-1 Europa League setback against FC Midtjylland in Denmark.
Now Hibs are in his sights before he calls it a day to make way for the incoming Wilfried Nancy.
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