Celtic defender Liam Scales signs new four-year-deal at the club

Celtic defender Liam Scales has signed a new four-year-deal at the club.

The Republic of Ireland international has become a mainstay in the team this season after taking advantage of a mini-injury crisis at the start of the campaign.

After returning from a loan-spell at Aberdeen, he was brought into the starting line-up after a string of defensive injuries to the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh.

The former Shamrock Rovers player, who joined the Hoops from the Irish side in 2021, impressed in a 1-0 win at Ibrox in September and has kept his place in Brendan Rodgers’ team since.

He has made a total of 40 appearances for the league leaders, including all six of their Champions League games, and scored one goal this season.

He has helped them to the top of the Premiership, with four fixtures remaining, and reach the Scottish Cup final.

Celtic announced the new deal on Friday, saying: “We are delighted to confirm that Liam Scales has signed a new four-year deal with the club.”

The 25-year-old said: “I am delighted to agree this new contract and commit my future to Celtic.

“I have really enjoyed working under the gaffer and with such a great group of players this year, and I look forward to doing so again in the coming seasons.

“I love being part of this great club and I want to do all I can to contribute to Celtic and bring our fans as much success as we can.”

The Scottish champions host Hearts at Parkhead on Saturday as they look to increase their three-point lead at the top to six, with second placed Rangers not in action until Sunday.