Why Liam Scales and Adam Idah are ‘pivotal’ to Celtic boss Rodgers after ending 13-year wait
Why Liam Scales and Adam Idah are ‘pivotal’ to Celtic boss Rodgers after ending 13-year wait
Beyond the more general fundamental ties between the Bhoys and the Emerald Isle, Celtic have a longstanding association with bringing in Irish players.
The Republic of Ireland hasn’t had much success in the Champions League in recent years, despite the fact that many of its players are well-known figures in the sport.
The last Irishman to score for Manchester United against Schalke in the 2011 semifinal at Old Trafford of Europe’s top league was Darren Gibson, who did it just before Celtic humiliated Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, Liam Scales scored the first goal for the Bhoys, breaking a 13-year wait and becoming the man to break that duck in style.
Adam Idah’s header insured that the second domino would fall in just 69 minutes, as he slotted past Dominik Takac with remarkable ease. All in all, it was a fantastic night for Celtic and a terrific one for Ireland.
Brendan Rodgers on the pivotal aspect of Scottish & Irish players
Speaking after the game, Brendan Rodgers discussed the value of having players from Scotland and Ireland in his lineup, saying that these players don’t often receive the same recognition as players from other countries.
The manager brought up Greg Taylor in the conversation. Since Cameron Carter-Vickers represents the United States internationally despite being born in England, Scottish and Irish players have been selected as the description for him.
Speaking after the game, Brendan Rodgers discussed the value of having players from Scotland and Ireland in his lineup, saying that these players don’t often receive the same recognition as players from other countries.
The manager brought up Greg Taylor in the conversation. Since Cameron Carter-Vickers represents the United States internationally despite being born in England, Scottish and Irish players have been selected as the description for him.
“The British players, the Irish players, they might not be the stellar name. Everyone’s looking for something else. But these are the guys that stand out. They’ll be waiting for you, the Greg Taylors, the Liam Scales, these guys.
“They’re absolutely pivotal to what we’re doing. Liam gets a fantastic goal and was really strong. He played very, very well. I’m really pleased for him because he’s been a really consistent performer for us since he’s got on the team.”
Scales and Idah’s Ireland prospects after Celtic heroics
Idah and Scales have been prominent starters for Ireland in recent international windows. Still, their exploits in the Champions League could go a long way to cementing positions under Heimir Hallgrimsson amid competition for places.
Formerly in charge of Iceland and Jamaica, the 57-year-old faces the challenge of lifting the Boys in Green from 62nd in the FIFA World Rankings, behind Uzbekistan and DR Congo, among others.
Making a difference at the top level, both players have rightfully been acknowledged for their part in a unique achievement for Irish football.
Hopefully, if they continue to strut their stuff in the league phase, their profiles will rise as a result, both at Celtic and on the international scene.
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