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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Joe Donnelly

Liam Scales 'pivotal' to 'resolute' Ireland despite game-changing red card

Liam Scales was typically resolute during his time on the pitch for Ireland against England, however a silly mistake cost him, and his country, the match.

That's according to Irish national broadcaster RTE, whose player ratings praised the in-form Celtic defender's start to the match before criticising his first, avoidable yellow card.

Given for kicking the ball away from England's Connor Gallagher, the Irishman was then shown a second yellow when conceding the penalty that allowed Harry Kane to open the scoring on 53 minutes.

With a man advantage, the home side doubled their lead two minutes later, before making it three a few minutes after that again.

England ran out 5-0 winners on the night, with Scales' mis-judgment being cited as a clear turning point in the match – during what was otherwise a good performance from the Celtic centre-half.


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Giving Scales a 5/10 rating, RTE said of the Celtic defender: "Was pivotal to Ireland's resolute showing in the first half, rousing the away fans with a reducer on Harry Kane.

"A yellow card for knocking the ball away from Gallagher would come back to haunt him, as a second booking and sending off would follow for conceding a penalty."

Scales has of course been a mainstay for Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers since the beginning of last season, however has more recently ceded his place in the heart of the Hoops' defence to Auston Trusty

When opting for the American over Scales against Aberdeen in the recent League Cup semi-final, Rodgers said it was tough decision while reasoning the opposition dictated the choice. 

Rodgers said: "It was very tough because Liam's been absolutely brilliant for me since he came into the team.

"But we try to look at each game, and I felt that with the striker that we thought Aberdeen were going to play who likes to run in behind, so we [wanted to] add that extra bit of pace into the backline.

"Auston's physicality is very good, and that was the reason for that."

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