Alan Hutton has backed Liam Scales to hold onto his spot in Celtic’s lineup, suggesting that Auston Trusty could be the one to step aside for Cameron Carter-Vickers’ return. Hutton praised Scales for silencing critics and establishing himself as a key player in Celtic’s defense, even with Trusty’s recent performances. With Celtic’s busy schedule ahead, Hutton believes Scales has proven his worth and should remain a mainstay under Brendan Rodgers.
Despite lingering doubts about his role, Liam Scales has demonstrated resilience and growth, becoming a consistent figure in Celtic’s defense. Reflecting on Scales’ progress on the Scottish Football Social Club, Alan Hutton remarked, “What he has done… he has been there for a long period of time now, playing. I think he is getting better with every single game.” Scales’ journey has been far from easy, yet he has persistently silenced critics and evolved into a dependable asset for Celtic, proving his worth in Brendan Rodgers’ lineup.
With Cameron Carter-Vickers back from injury and Auston Trusty impressing in his appearances, Brendan Rodgers now faces a tough choice regarding his center-back pairing. However, Alan Hutton anticipates that Rodgers will stick with the Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales partnership, pointing to the strong chemistry they’ve built recently. “I think he will keep him (Carter-Vickers) with Scales, at this moment in time,” Hutton shared, expressing confidence in Scales’ form and resilience.
This consistency could be exactly what Celtic need as they tackle a demanding stretch of fixtures. After facing Dundee on Wednesday, the Bhoys are gearing up for a high-stakes semi-final against Aberdeen, followed by a pivotal Champions League clash with RB Leipzig. While Rodgers may opt for squad rotation to maintain player freshness, stability in the center-back pairing could be crucial for Celtic’s success on all fronts. Retaining the reliable Carter-Vickers and Scales duo could offer the defensive foundation needed to navigate these challenging matches.
Hutton recognized the previous doubts surrounding Scales, admitting, “The question mark was always there. People were saying, ‘they probably need another center-half to come in.’ I think he has answered all those questions. He stood up to it and just became better week on week.”
If Scales maintains this level of form, he’s poised to solidify his place as one of Celtic’s top defensive options. Fans will be eager to see if he keeps his spot in the lineup for Wednesday’s match, showcasing the growth that has earned him respect and a crucial role in Rodgers’ plans.