Liam Scales

It’s just as easy for me to turn around and say he’s more than capable of being a total bombscare with the ball at his feet, looks uncomfortable at times, and gives the ball away needlessly too often - the truth, as I’ve already said, is in the middle. A bit from each column. I’m not a detractor at all, I want to see him do well but I’m realistic. Nuance and context are important in any debate.

 

So why reply to a video calling it 'revisionism', when I clearly labelled it as one for those who say he 'canny pass a ball'? It makes zero sense.

 

I understand what you meant mate, but keeping the ball under that pressure, in that atmosphere and game isn’t easy. It is ignorance when you are insinuating kids can play the passes he did. McGregor played a lateral pass to Ralston under no pressure and over cooked it and conceded a throw in. He won’t be slaughtered near as much as Scales. The atmosphere and the pressure is a huge factor.

The nuance doesn’t just cover the aspects to suit your argument. You could easily argue for scales and how he lost the ball early in his own half, but despite this kept showing for and taking the ball. He also could have limped off after the disallowed goal and hid from the occasion. Iv seen players do it in the past. But he rolled his socks up and got back to it. And I can bet my last pound that if you ask CCV who he would rather play beside he would choose Scales every time.

 

Look at the list again and you’ll spot the laughing emoji - it was a tongue-in-cheek remark.

 

1. You’ve again chosen to twist my argument. It would be preposterous to claim that kids could do that job at Ibrox - come on man, you’re just making things up now to suit.


2. You’re correct about Callum but we’re talking about Scalesy here. CalMac has been getting pelters lately, tbf.


3. You’re right about all Scales’ attributes and his attitude - I agree with you on all of that and on your CCV point. It’s still doesn’t negate my original point, but it does mean that fans - myself included - have huge respect for his effort and commitment. More power to him, and long may he keep improving.

 

So you agree that he can be an effective passer on his day? Glad we there in the end

 

Exactly mate. CCV went on a run in the second half and nobody gave him movement and he lost the ball high up the pitch leaving him out of position. Many times scales had the ball, he had very little ahead of him to hit. It’s why our midfield found themselves having to play backwards, sometimes to Kasper

There is an onus on players to work off the ball and give the player on the ball options.

 

In his own somewhat limited sense. If you feel that’s us agreeing, then, that’s fine by me

 

Looks like backtracking to me

 

“Passing stats mean * all when you’re only knocking it sideways 50 times a game - children can do that.” - Souttar couldn’t do it. Nor Djiga. It’s ignorant to the occasion, the atmosphere and the lack of movement ahead of him. Also the fact that our midfielders found themselves playing backwards supports this. He kept the ball under pressure on numerous occasions. Elite level athletes can’t be perfect mate.

I referred to cal mac as he is normally compose and efficient in possession.

I’m glad we can find some ground we agree on.

 

I was talking about his passing stats in general. I never mentioned Ibrox or the Huns whatsoever (in that context). He did very well yesterday, no debate there.

Most of his passing will be over a short distance. Simple passing. Not all of it, but most - hence the excellent stats. After all, that’s the way BR has the lads playing. That ‘overall passing’ stat isn’t detailed enough to provide a more comprehensive or intricate level of detail tbf - and that’s for everyone obviously, not just Scales.

Like I said, I’m happy that he’s doing well - we’ll need that in Europe, big time.

I agree with much of what you said mate, no issue there

 

You’re at it

 

Poor Liam really needs his Ireland render sorted

 

I think Celtic need 2 groups of players

A core group of 12-15 players capable of playing at a high level in Europe

And a group of 8-10 players, that might not be automatic first choice in that above core group. But are happy to be at the club and be willing to be in this group. And we wouldnt fear them having to start and away game at say Hearts for squad roation.

I think its fair to say the majorty of fans dont feel hes in that first group. But he deffo falls into that second catagory...

We need players around the club willing to put 4-6 years of the prime and be happy to be in that second group.

Ideally we have more in that first group but we will never be that club while in Scottish league with this board

 

At the moment we have 3 or 4 tops in that's 1st group and about 20 in that 2nd group

 

I think that second group needs to feature younger players capable of progressing to being in that first category, to me we sign far too many players that we should be able to fill their positions with young players coming through.

It is the only way we create a pathway. The same with if we do bring through young players and they get towards their mid twenties and haven’t kicked on sell them and make room for the next ones to come through.

 

For example.

Matthew Anderson instead of Saracchi
Ben summers instead of Mccowan
Vata instead of Yang/Tillio

 

His passing out from the back caused us problems a few times second half..

 

and dribbling.

Lost at sea during that period of Killie pressure too.

I’m not being harsh on anyone at Rugby Park though. Hate it.