LIAM SCALES has played for half-an-hour in the Celtic first team since his £600,000 summer arrival from Shamrock Rovers.
The versatile back-four performer replaced Albian Ajeti as a 60th-minute substitute in the 3-0 Premier Sports League Cup quarter-final win over Championship side Raith Rovers at Parkhead last month.
Scales has been raring to go since the campaign’s kick-off and has not been overlooked by the Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny who called the 23-year-old left-sided defender into his international squad yesterday, as CQN reported.
The youngster may have thought his was in line for a quickfire call-up after regular No.3 Greg Taylor was sidelined with a shoulder injury, but Ange Postecoglou has utilised right-sided Josip Juranovic, now also injured, and teenager Adam Montgomery in recent games.
Scales, though, acknowledged he will have to bide his time and, speaking to Irish outlet Pundit Arena, admitted: “I knew it was going to be a step up and I’m still getting to grips with the system and the way Ange wants to play.
“It’s another step up in intensity with the kind of levels of fitness levels required.
“I just have to be patient. Once I get my opportunity, it’s important that I take it.
“I’m not really used to not playing games, so it’s unusual, but I’m enjoying it. I just have to be patient and keep working hard.”
