Defender welcomes renewed optimism as Celtic seek to carry domestic revival into Europe
Liam Scales claims recent results, rather than external criticism, has hurt Celtic more and insists beating Motherwell can help them take an important step towards rediscovering their best form.
Goals either side of half time from Camilo Duran and Benjamin Nygren secured a much-needed 2-0 victory at Fir Park on Sunday, sending the champions back to the top of the Scottish Premiership and ending a run of three successive defeats in all competitions before the international break.
There is a renewed confidence and enthusiasm around Martin O’Neill’s side, with centre-back Scales encouraged by the manner of the performance and clean sheet on their return to domestic action. The challenge now is to carry that improvement onto the continental stage when Celtic travel to Lisbon on Thursday.
Scales knows tougher tests await against high-quality opposition, with Europa League clashes against Benfica and Celta Vigo coming either side of a blockbuster Premiership showdown with Hearts. However, the defender believes the Motherwell victory has provided Celtic with a platform from which to build momentum.
“I felt we were good all over the pitch,” said the Republic of Ireland international. “It felt like we were back to what we want to be after a tough spell before the international window. The clean sheet was pleasing and that comes from having most of the ball. They had less chances to attack.
“We kept possession well before cutting through them. We created a lot of chances and could probably scored a few more goals and made things a lot easier for ourselves. But we were really happy with it. For us, it was about getting back to our maximum levels. We know where we can get to. It’s just a case of doing it now.”
That determination to reach their peak will be crucial when O’Neill’s men head to the Portuguese capital. A win in North Lanarkshire has offered some reassurance, but Scales acknowledges that Celtic’s European performances have so far fallen short of expectations and that Benfica will demand a significant step up.
“It doesn’t get much more difficult in the Europa League than this next one. Benfica away is a tough, tough game,” he continued. “We always have something to prove but it has been disappointing so far in Europe so we need to really try and do better. But we went to Feyenoord last season and showed that night what we can do so we can try and replicate how we played in that game. When it comes to European fixtures that is a reference for us.”
The international break has helped Celtic regroup, despite Scales initially viewing the timing as inconvenient. He dismissed suggestions that outside noise had affected the squad during their recent struggles, insisting the results themselves had caused the greatest source of frustration.
“Maybe in hindsight, yes,” Scales replied when asked whether the timing of the break had helped. “At the time I felt it came at a bad time because we went into two weeks off after coming off the back of bad results. It has given us a chance to refresh and come back with more energy and confidence.
“I don’t think we’ve been hurt by the criticism. What’s hurt has been the results. That’s what hurts more than anything. We know ourselves and don’t need to hear the criticism to feel the disappointment. We already feel that.”
Among the individuals to have impressed is fellow centre-half Dane Murray, whose development has been disrupted by injuries. With Cameron Carter-Vickers a major doubt for Thursday’s trip to Benfica, Scales reckons the 23-year-old could now have an important role to play in the weeks ahead.
“Dane is brilliant,” he admitted. “He had a couple of really tough years with injuries when he was younger that probably held him back. You probably would have seen a lot more of him had it not been for those. But he’s come through them and he’s got incredible attributes. He’s big, strong, quick and good on the ball. He can defend and it’s good to play alongside him. Considering he hasn’t played a lot, you don’t feel it’s an inexperienced player beside you.”
Jota’s return to action has also provided a timely boost. Having missed the Portuguese winger for an extended period, Scales is delighted to see him back on the pitch after a rehabilitation process that took longer than anticipated.
“It’s great. He’s obviously shown how good he is over the two spells here,” Scales said. “We have missed him for a long time. Even just the excitement he brings when he gets on the ball is brilliant. So it’s great to see him back. He’s had to work really hard and hopefully he kicks on now.”