Ireland star’s huge career decision that’s rare uplifting news amid sad backdrop

LIAM SCALES has been one of the few good news stories around Irish football over the past 12 months or so.

And he has once again provided a rare uplifting update with confirmation that he’s signed a four-year contract extension at Celtic.

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It caps off a massive turnaround in his fortunes at Celtic Park from the onset of the 2023/24 season.

He was buried down the depth chart in pre-season but a myriad of injuries at centre-back forced Brendan Rodgers’ hand and the Wicklow native got a steady run in the team.

Not that Rodgers had all that much faith in him to begin with as he memorably paid him quite the backhanded compliment after his initial breakthrough as a regular starter.

In October he told BBC Sportsround: “Well he’s outstanding. I’m so happy for him.

“He’s probably one of the biggest surprises of my career as a coach.

“It’s only because I hadn’t seen him play that much and there were other players ahead of him.

“Through people leaving and others getting injured, I’ve seen enough in training to give him the opportunity.

“Ideally you always want a left-sided centre back in your team that has good pace and intelligence, and he has all of that.

“You see the way he plays and is performing and he’s really grown and I’m so happy for him because he’s got pressure being from Ireland.

“There’s a lot of pressure on the Irish players at this club and he’s been outstanding.”

Among his season highlights have been a Man of the Match display in an Old Firm derby, lining out in the Champions League group stages and making his Ireland debut.

In total he has lined out 40 times for The Hoops across all competitions this campaign.