Liam Scales addressed the press using both Irish language and English ahead of the inaugural Nations League game in Dublin, where England will be playing against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium next Saturday. A Celtic defender, Scales mentioned the unique challenge of facing club rivals Rangers one week and then the England team the next, expressing his hope to replicate the weekend’s staggering 3-0 victory over Rangers.
In his nearly two decades-long career with Celtic and about 500 games under his belt, Donegal goalkeeper Packie Bonner had faced both Rangers and England in rapid succession, though never within a six-day duration.
Scales clarified that Celtic and Ireland home games have unique demands. While with Celtic, the team can afford to take time and refine their strategy, Ireland games necessitate immediate immersion and quick adaptation. Scales assured that the team is working to assimilate all the information about the forthcoming match to ensure they get favorable results.
The newly-appointed Republic of Ireland manager, Heimir Hallgrímsson, has been conducting intensive meetings over recent periods, expecting players to master the tactical strategy needed to achieve desirable outcomes against England and secure a win against Greece the following Tuesday.
Despite the intensity, Scales, 26, finds the situation familiar, having experienced it with past managers. He appreciated the clarity of Hallgrímsson’s instructions during his first few days.
Born to a Londoner father who relocated to Ireland before starting a family, Scales could have chosen to declare for England. However, the idea of split loyalties quickly gets ruled out in Scales family.
“Without question, he’ll be seated amongst the Irish fans, if I manage to secure tickets. These tickets aren’t cheap, with even the lowest-priced ones going for €90 and others exceeding €150. It’s no surprise that the Aviva only sold out on Tuesday. For him, being involved in my football career hasn’t been a matter of choice, but rather a passion born out of our childhood trips to see Irish matches. He’s been a fan of Irish football even longer than me.”
If Hallgrímsson decides to stick with a five-man defence, despite the Irish wing backs consistently finding themselves backed into corners under Stephen Kenny’s system since its introduction against Portugal in 2021, Scales might play as a left back. Recall that Scales has performed his duties as a left back for Shamrock Rovers in European football before.
Although wingers by profession and wing backs at a pinch, Callum O’Dowda and Robbie Brady, who played defensively for Greece in Athens last year, form part of the team. One potential tactic for Scales, however, is to utilise his club form in Scotland, where he would take the position of the left centre back in a trio.
As a left-footed centre half, Scales enjoys a natural advantage. Nonetheless, the ultimate selection rests with the manager, who will prioritise the team’s overall strength. There is also strong competition among the four centre halves, all Premier League players, but this rivalry is likely to elevate the performance of the entire team.
Scales has the edge over both Jake O’Brien from Everton and Andrew Omobamidele from Nottingham Forest, having clocked in 450 minutes this season in comparison to the Premier League duo, who have only completed 90 minutes of cup gameplay. Nathan Collins and Dara O’Shea are the tried-and-true starters for Ireland, and if Matt Doherty is assigned as the right back, Séamus Coleman may fill in as the right centre half.
In regards to being selected, Scales commented: “I’m keeping my fingers crossed and preparing to make an impactful contribution off the bench if necessary.”
Hallgrímsson also needs to choose who will pair with Will Smallbone from Southampton in the midfield. Alan Browne, Jayson Molumby, and Jason Knight are among the potential replacements for the injured Josh Cullen.
It appears that Sammie Szmodics and Chiedozie Ogbene, the latest additions to Ipswich Town’s squad, will likely play, supporting a single forward. Evan Ferguson may fill this sole striker role, according to assistant coach John O’Shea, who complimented the young forward’s impressive performance at Abbotstown’s training session.