LIAM SCALES is a firm believer in the old pals’ axe.
The Republic of Ireland international admits he is big friends with his fellow-central defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and Maik Nawrocki, but insists he thrives on fierce competition for the two first-team places.
Scales was the man in possession at the start of the season before August deadline day £6million recruit from Sheffield United Trusty took over in October.
Nawrocki made a couple of appearances last month while both the Irishman and the USA cap were sidelined with injury.
HEADS, I WIN…Liam Scales clears from St Johnstone striker Adama Sidibeh in Celtic’s 5-0 Scottish Cup semi-final triumph at Hampden.
However, Scales was given the nod to return against for the Premiership meeting with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park and, despite the shock 1-0 reverse, kept his place for the 5-1 league win over Kilmarnock at Parkhead and the 5-0 Scottish Cup semi-final triumph over the Perth club at Hampden at the weekend.
The 26-year-old former Shamrock Rovers centre-back, who joined the Hoops in a £650,000 move in August 2021 during the Ange Postecoglou Revolution, will almost certainly start the encounter against Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday where a solitary point will seal the team’s fourth successive title.
Looking at the old chums’ rivalry, Scales said: “We’re all in competition with each other for the two places and I think that’s healthy.
“So we’re all friends, we’re not going to say we’re not, but the competition is there and we know that the goal is to play, which is good.”
Scales will also not allow relationships to blur his focus if he get the green light from Brendan Rodgers to face Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup Final on Saturday May 24 where a world record ninth treble is on the line.
He spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Pittodrie, but once again the camaraderie will go on the back-burner until the game is settled and the destination of the silverware has been determined.
Scales, speaking to BBC Sport, added: “I still chat to a few of them. Whenever we play against them, I’ll catch up with them.
“But they won’t be pals on the day.”
