Liam Scales, born on 8 August 1998 (age 27), is an Irish central defender who joined Celtic from Shamrock Rovers in August 2021. His 2021 league season in Dublin, with two goals in 23 appearances, was his most productive in front of goal and helped carry him towards a move that looked sensible rather than spectacular at the time.
His early Celtic years were not a straight climb. A loan spell after his arrival gave him the regular football he needed, and he returned a more usable defender: steadier, more assertive, and better equipped for the week-to-week demands at Celtic. That development mattered. He has since become more than a squad name waiting for a gap.
Scales remains part of the current Celtic side, wearing squad number 5, and has been a regular first-team presence in 2025-2026. This season he has made 37 league appearances, four in the Scottish Cup and nine in the Europa League, scoring once in Europe. He has also been involved with the Republic of Ireland, making three appearances in European World Cup qualifying.
During his Celtic spell he has won three Premiership titles, two League Cups and one Scottish Cup, with Celtic also finishing runners-up in another Scottish Cup. His current market value is around £4.5m, according to Transfermarkt.
Scales’ career has moved from Shamrock Rovers to Celtic, through a necessary period of development, and into a sustained role in the side. He is not a showy defender, but he has made himself relevant at a club where relevance has to be earned.
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