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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

Liam Scales scores first international goal as Daizen Maeda makes Japan cameo

Many of Celtic's first team squad are currently away on international duty this week. 

Liam Scales capped off his sixth cap for the Republic of Ireland by netting his first goal for his country. 

The Hoops defender has been a mainstay at club level since returning from a season-long loan at Aberdeen last year. And now his ever-present form has earned the 26-year-old the trust of the Ireland boss Heimar Hallgrimsson. 

He played the full 90 minutes against Finland in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday night, and impressed not only by scoring but also putting in a solid overall defensive showing.

He won the most duels (10) during the match and completed 84 per cent of his passes out from the back. 


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Meanwhile, it was contrasting fortunes for Celtic's Japanese representatives.

Daizen Maeda had been an unused substitute and Reo Hatate was left out completely for Tuesday's World Cup qualifying win over Bahrain. 

However, Maeda was introduced on the 63rd minute as Japan defeated Saudi Arabia on Thursday. 

The energetic forward only had 20 touches of the ball though, and failed to complete a successful dribble. 

Hatate didn't get on the pitch again, with manager Hajime Moriyasu persisting on selecting other midfield options.

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