Liam Scales targets Scottish Cup glory as he savours Celtic’s title success

Celtic defender Liam Scales is savouring the first title success he has truly felt part of – but also appreciates that cup success needs to follow.

Scales has been an unlikely mainstay in the Celtic team this season after returning from a loan spell at Aberdeen.

The 25-year-old has made 33 cinch Premiership starts for Celtic this season – only Joe Hart, Matt O’Riley and Greg Taylor have made more.

The Republic of Ireland international’s immersion in the team has made him fully recognise the need to build on Wednesday’s title-clinching victory at Kilmarnock, firstly when Celtic host St Mirren on Saturday but more importantly when they face Rangers in the Scottish Cup final the following weekend.

“We know at this club that it is not enough, you need to win every trophy that is available,” he said.

“That is the expectation and that is the mentality we have. That is the way it is and I have learnt that this season playing.

“I obviously saw it in the previous years, but being part of it now you feel it a bit more.

“It’s a given, it’s just the way we all think, it’s the mentality that we have.”

Scales made 13 appearances for Celtic in his first season after joining from Shamrock Rovers, before being loaned to the Dons.

So his new-found status as a lynchpin in the back four made him appreciate Celtic’s title success more than anything.

“I’ve won things back home in Ireland but this feels completely different because of the situation I was in and the turnaround I have had this year,” he said.

“Look, it is just amazing. It’s pure joy. It’s just the hard work over the season – you just feel that is it, it is worth it. It’s just an amazing feeling.”

Scales added: “The first year, before I went on loan, it was a little bittersweet. You were celebrating because the lads are your friends and your team-mates but you feel like you haven’t played your part as much as other people and it’s not as good. But I know I can really enjoy this now.

“I feel an important part of it and it is much easier to feel and celebrate the emotions of winning it this way.”