Celtic player tipped to struggle to get back into starting XI

Celtic struggled for a good portion of last season when Brendan Rodgers replaced Ange Postecoglou as the manager of the club. During that period of time, one player who did stand out with his performances was Liam Scales. The Republic of Ireland came into the team when other centre-backs were out injured and nailed down his spot in the starting XI.

But a year on and it looks like he has lost his place in the starting XI. Celtic signed Auston Trusty from Sheffield United in the summer and it looks like the American international has taken Scales' place in the team alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Trusty did not look great early on in the season but he has come into his own lately. He looks a lot more comfortable playing alongside Carter-Vickers than he does with Scales.

For the time being, it looks like Rodgers prefers the Carter-Vickers and Trusty partnership. As a result, Scales might have a tough time getting back into the starting XI. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Allan Preston told the Scottish Football Podcast:

"Then, at the back, I had a discussion with Pat (Bonner) earlier when we were at St Johnstone, I said to you ‘Trusty will play before Scales’. I believe he would and he has. And he has been magnificent. Scales will have a hard fight to get back in."

Celtic player tipped to struggle to get back into starting XI

Scales has not done much wrong to lose his place in the starting XI. But that is just the nature of playing for Celtic. The club are always looking to improve, even in areas where things are absolutely fine.

Scales will get his chances to impress though. Carter-Vickers' shaky injury record means that it is likely that he will be rested from time to time. And that should allow the Irishman to remind Rodgers of what he is capable of.

If Scales can put in a few undeniable performances, it is possible that he could make his way into Rodgers' starting plans. But for now, it looks like he has a mountain to climb.