LIAM SCALES was quite happy that Shelbourne turned up the heat in the 1-1 pre-season friendly draw at Tolka Park in Dublin last night.
The Republic of Ireland international defender was introduced to the action when Martin O’Neill changed his entire first-half line-up at the interval.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, making his first appearance since collapsing at the end of the 2-1 Europa League win over Sturm Graz at Parkhead in October, and Dane Murray combined for the central defensive pairing in the opening half.
Scales was introduced alongside Maik Nawrocki, who spent last season on loan at Bundesliga 2 side Hannover 96, for the second period.
IRISH AYES…Liam Scales speaks to Celtic Player after the 1-1 draw in Dublin.
It looked as though the Hoops were about to suffer a defeat when Harry Wood slotted away a penalty-kick in the 88th minute, but the referee spotted a push in the back of Nawrocki three minutes later and Shin Yamada swept in the leveller from the spot.
Reflecting on his first 45 minutes of the pre-season, Scales, speaking to Celtic Player, said: “I’ve played here a lot, you know, when I was playing in the League of Ireland and I’ve very rarely won games here.
“It’s always a hard place to come.
“They’re in the middle of their season and obviously we’re still getting up to speed, so it was a really good run out.
“You go abroad for hot weather training, but it was about 27 degrees here, so even to get that extra bit in the heat is really good.”
Boss O’Neill now takes his squad to Portugal for their training camp as they get ready for next season’s Premiership kick-off, with Dundee due to Parkhead on Monday August 3.
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