Celtic defender Liam Scales has expressed his delight after scoring his first international goal for Ireland in their 2-1 comeback win against Finland in the Nations League.
Finland’s Joel Pohjanpalo in action with Ireland’s Liam Scales
ANTTI AIMO-KOIVISTO/Lehtikuva via REUTERS
The Irish side fought from 1-0 down to claim a vital three points, with Scales playing a key role. Celtic’s goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo was on the bench for Finland, while Adam Idah came on as a late substitute for Ireland in the 80th minute.
Scales, who has been in excellent form this season, playing nine games across the league and Champions League and scoring twice for Celtic, was thrilled to get his first goal for his country.
Speaking to RTE, he shared his excitement: “It’s brilliant, it was a great feeling, and the fans just make it that bit better. We’ve been due a win, especially away from home, and to win it like that was brilliant.
“I don’t get many; I’ve had a few this season already. In the last 10 or 15 games, I’ve more than I had in the previous two seasons already.
“Droughts come as well as a defender but hopefully I can chip in with a few more. It’s always been top of the list for me, so to check that off is amazing. I’ll reflect on it tonight and take it all in.”
Scales has earned praise for his performances at Celtic this season, and his goal for Ireland will only enhance his growing reputation as a key player for both club and country.
If you had said at the start of last season that Scales would be playing every game for Celtic, getting call ups to the Ireland national team and getting on the scoresheet, you would’ve been laughed at.
But credit to the defender, he’s come on leaps and bounds over the last 12 months and is deservedly getting the recognition that he deserves.
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