Sport Nation 2Liam Scales’ journey at Celtic has been one of resilience and determination, showcasing how persistence in the face of adversity can lead to success. Signed from Shamrock Rovers in 2021, Scales initially found opportunities hard to come by under the management of Ange Postecoglou. Despite a promising debut season, he was never seen as a key part of the team. By the following year, he was loaned out to Aberdeen, where he performed well, but even then, his future at Celtic seemed uncertain.
Many expected Scales’ time at Celtic to come to an end, with a permanent move to Aberdeen being touted. However, fate intervened when Celtic suffered multiple injuries to their centre-backs, leaving Brendan Rodgers with limited options. This presented Scales with an unexpected opportunity to step up, and he seized it. Since being brought into the starting XI, Scales has established himself as a vital member of the team, much to the delight of the fans and his manager.
One person who has been particularly impressed by Scales is his international teammate, Evan Ferguson. The Brighton & Hove Albion striker, who is considered one of the most promising young talents in world football, recently appeared on the popular show Open Goal. When asked by Simon Ferry who his Celtic hero was, Ferguson did not hesitate to name Liam Scales. The two players share a connection through their time with the Republic of Ireland national team, but Ferguson’s admiration for Scales goes beyond mere camaraderie.
While it might have been a “safe” answer, Ferguson’s choice of Scales as his Celtic hero speaks volumes about the defender’s impact. It’s worth noting that Ferguson grew up as a fan of both Celtic and Manchester United, even going so far as to trial for the Hoops before ultimately deciding to join Brighton & Hove Albion. Had circumstances been different, Ferguson might have been lining up alongside Scales in the famous green and white hoops of Celtic.
Evan Ferguson: A Premier League Rising Star
At just 19 years old, Evan Ferguson has already made more than 50 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion, scoring 16 goals. His rise to prominence has been swift, and while the hype around him may have slightly diminished in recent months, it’s important to remember that he is still one of the most highly-rated young players in the Premier League. The media’s attention may have shifted to other young strikers like Jhon Duran and Samu Omorodion, but Ferguson’s talent and potential are undeniable.
Interestingly, Ferguson’s path could have taken a very different turn. As a young player, he had trials at several clubs, including Celtic, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Everton. Ultimately, he chose to join Brighton & Hove Albion, a decision that has paid off as he continues to develop his game under the guidance of manager Roberto De Zerbi. In a recent interview, Ferguson reflected on his decision, saying, “I was on trial with Manchester United, Celtic, and Everton. I think from the outside it was obvious to see the pathway [for young players] and most of the managers here have given chances to young players.”
Ferguson’s decision to join Brighton over Celtic highlights a broader issue that the Glasgow giants have faced in recent years: the lack of a clear pathway for young players to break into the first team. While Celtic have a proud history of developing talent, the last academy graduate to become a regular starter was Kieran Tierney, who left the club for Arsenal more than five years ago. This has been a source of frustration for fans, as Celtic have not consistently produced first-team players from their youth ranks in recent years.
Aberdeen’s Strong Start and Celtic’s Challenge Ahead
As Celtic continue their campaign under Brendan Rodgers, they face a significant challenge from Aberdeen. The Dons have made an incredible start to the Scottish Premiership season, winning all of their matches so far and sitting level on points with Celtic after seven games. This sets up an exciting clash after the international break, with Aberdeen set to visit Celtic Park in what promises to be a blockbuster encounter.
Aberdeen’s manager, Thelin, has overseen a remarkable transformation since his arrival from IF Elfsborg. Under his guidance, Aberdeen have exceeded all expectations, remaining unbeaten and showing that they are serious contenders in the league. Their latest victory came in dramatic fashion, with an 88th-minute winner against Hearts, maintaining their perfect record. This puts them in a strong position heading into their match against Celtic.
Thelin is not underestimating the challenge that Celtic pose but remains confident in his team’s ability to get a result. Speaking ahead of the match, he said, “Celtic are good, but we have to prepare ourselves… and try to have a really good performance and get a good result.” His confidence is not without merit, as Aberdeen’s strong form this season suggests they have the potential to challenge Celtic for the title.
Celtic, on the other hand, have looked slightly off the pace in recent games. While they managed to secure a 2-1 comeback win against Ross County thanks to an 88th-minute goal from Nicolas Kuhn, their overall performance has not been as dominant as fans have come to expect. Rodgers will be hoping that the international break provides his players with the opportunity to regroup and return to their best form.
Celtic’s Transfer Needs and Potential Loan Signings
Looking ahead to the January transfer window, there are areas of Celtic’s squad that could benefit from reinforcements. One position that stands out is central midfield, particularly in the wake of Matt O’Riley’s departure over the summer. O’Riley, who contributed almost 40 goals and assists last season, left big shoes to fill, and while players like Arne Engels and Luke McCowan have been brought in, they have not yet matched O’Riley’s level of productivity.
One potential solution for Celtic is a loan move for Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka. The young midfielder, who has struggled for game time since the arrival of Enzo Maresca as Chelsea’s manager, could be an ideal candidate for a temporary switch to Parkhead. Chukwuemeka has shown flashes of his talent at both Chelsea and Aston Villa but needs regular minutes to fully develop his game.
For Celtic, a loan deal for Chukwuemeka would be a low-risk, high-reward move. The midfielder has the potential to make a significant impact if given the opportunity, and his presence could help fill the creative void left by O’Riley. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea would be open to letting Chukwuemeka leave on loan, but if he becomes available, Celtic should make their interest known.
As Celtic prepare for a challenging season ahead, their ability to strengthen the squad in key areas will be crucial to maintaining their dominance in Scottish football. The match against Aberdeen will be an early test of their credentials, and how Rodgers’ men respond to the pressure will go a long way in determining their success this season.
Sport nation
Amina Umar
