Kris Boyd feels it was ‘wrong’ for Celtic hero to depart, but Chris Sutton puts Liam Scales above all.

Leaving aside Celtic’s recent setback to Dundee, Liam Scales is likely one of the few players who can hold his head high this season.

Scales has clearly divided opinion at Celtic, despite the excellent start he made to Brendan Rodgers’ otherwise disappointing season.

Yes, the Republic of Ireland international is not the ball-carrying centre-back that detractors expect him to be.

However, as Chris Sutton mentioned, there is no one better in the iconic green and white colours for out-and-out defence.

Not to mention that there have been significant changes on the left side of fullback, with Kris Boyd commenting on how Celtic made a mistake with Greg Taylor.

Liam Scales and Greg Taylor of Celtic

To put it simply, Sutton believes Scales has been Celtic’s ‘best player this season’, and keep in mind that these statements were made prior to the dismal performance at Dundee.

Boyd concurred with the fellow commentator in an interview with Sky Sports Football (19/10/25), citing his versatility as well as his ability to play left-back.

That’s when Boyd threw in the grenade, saying it was ‘wrong’ for Taylor to leave in the summer, as he chose to join PAOK on a free transfer when his contract at Parkhead expired.

“He has been Celtic’s best player this season,” Sutton stated of Scales. “In the last several games, they have allowed a few goals.

“But Celtic have been most effective defensively, and he has played a significant role in that. You mentioned the fullbacks, which is not quite correct. Whether it was Tierney or Ralston.

“But Liam Scales has been superb when the ball enters the box. I believe that a significant portion of Celtic’s lineup lacks aggression and the ability to head the ball. He is ahead on a stick.

“At times, he gets criticism because he’s slightly careless with his passing, with the way Celtic play, he will have a lot of the ball, and so will Carter-Vickers.”

Boyd’s question: “Is he your Player of the Year so far?”

Sutton: “Player of the Year so far, but we’re still in October. “A long way to go.”

Boyd: “Being versatile is an excellent characteristic. I don’t think he let Celtic down when he switched to left-back as well. For me, getting rid of Greg Taylor was the wrong decision.

“Scales has been invited to enter and step in there. He is both comfy and traditional. In terms of, he will just defend.”

Scales’ stats for Celtic this season.
You could argue that Scales has outperformed Cameron Carter-Vickers at the back, which is a stretch given the American’s previous performance as Celtic’s top defender.

In any case, Auston Trusty’s injury in the first few weeks of the season appears to have benefited Scales much because it has allowed him to play more consistently.

As a result, the Irishman has generally performed well defensively.

Scales’ WhoScored Premiership ratings are 7.42, with 8 games played, 5 goals conceded, and 5 clean sheets.
Scales’ WhoScored Europa League ratings are 6.54, with 2 games, 3 goals conceded, and 0 clean sheets.