Carter-Vickers argues Scales deserves more credit for contribution

Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers 

in Celtic training yesterday

At a club of this size and with these demands, if you’re in the team consistently, you’re obviously doing a lot of things right

18 Oct 2025 - Glasgow Times

Graeme McGarry - Senior football writer

HE does not have the sexiest name, or the most exotic background. But speak to any of Liam Scales’ team-mates, and they will leave you in no doubt about his worth to Celtic.

The big Irishman has been a stalwart of the Celtic defence since the departure of Carl Starfelt, and the man who once formed such an impressive partnership with the Swede believes that Scales has shown himself to be every bit as reliable a sidekick as his predecessor.

For Cameron Carter-Vickers, Scales deserves far more credit than he receives, not only for clawing his way back into the reckoning at Celtic when it looked for all the world as if he was on the way out of the club, but for then seeing off competition for his place, as the likes of Gustaf Lagerbielke, Maik Nawrocki and now Auston Trusty have been unable to shift him from the heart of the back line.

“Yeah [ he does deserve more credit], I think Scalesy has done great,” Carter- Vickers said.

“Carl left what, three years ago now? Scalesy has kind of been playing since then. I think especially at a club of this size and with these demands, if you’re in the team consistently, you’re obviously doing a lot of things right. He has been and he’s continuing to improve.

“I think if you know Scalesy, he’s resilient and he’s got a good character to him. So, that’s no surprise really to me. But it’s also football. Things change quickly in football, and for me, it changed positively.

“I think he reads the game well. Me and him now having played so much together, we understand each other’s games and can almost play without having to really communicate too much. He’s good on the ball, clean on the ball and a good passer.”

Carter-Vickers endured a disappointing international break, travelling to Texas and Colorado for the USA’s matches against Ecuador and Australia, only to not be handed a single minute of action by manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Far from letting that get him down though, Carter- Vickers believes that a redoubling of efforts at Celtic can allow him to force his way back into the reckoning for his nation in time for the World Cup.

“Obviously, all players want to play for the national team,” he said.

“So, I was disappointed in that aspect, but it was good to be back around the group and working with the coaching staff there and learning as much as I can.

“I think every player wants to play at World Cups and in big international tournaments. But for me, it’s about focusing on the present, and that’s the only way you’re going to end up there, is if you perform consistently at club level. So that’s my focus.

“I mean, you can’t really look too far ahead in football. You know, games come thick and fast. So, it’s just about focusing on the one that’s in front of you. And if you continue to do that, then you end up in a good position.

“I think as a player, you can’t overthink whether you’re going to play or get selected internationally because in a lot of ways, it’s out of your hands. You’ve got to focus on what’s going on at your club.”