“We know we haven’t been good enough,” Liam Scales
Liam Scales was the difference maker at Celtic Park yesterday afternoon, scoring the only goal of a rather poor quality, low key affair that ultimately delivered the three points, which probably was as much as we could have expected…
Coming into the match on the back of Scottish Premiership frustrations with five points dropped over the last two matches with a 2-2 draw at Celtic Park against Dundee United followed by that 2-0 defeat at Falkirk last weekend, Celtic spirits were raised on Thursday evening with the 3-2 win over Besiktas in the Europa League.
The result yesterday was therefore more important than the performance and while Scales’ goal delivered to three points, the fans left knowing that they had watched a dire game of football. Many were noting that for once they were actually looking forward to the international break.
The Irish defender appreciates both points – the win was needed and the performance was not up to the standard expected, as has been the case in too many matches so far this season.
“It was definitely important. Two games [in the league] without a win is bad enough, but three would have been a nightmare,” Liam Scales stated post-match. “We knew we needed that win and can go into the break and refresh. Some of the lads can rest and recover and hopefully we’ll come back in this form.”
The Republic of Ireland international, who is becoming a real favourite of Martin O’Neill, admits that the team are underperforming in terms of performances.
“We know we haven’t been good enough between the last international window and this one,” Scales said. “We’ve let a few results go and we’re not exactly where we want to be.
“It was just really important to win these last two games before the break and be in a good place for coming back. We always want to be on top of the table. We don’t want to be chasing.
“We want to be good arm’s length from the challengers. That is the goal all season – to stay top,” Liam Scales explained.
He continued: “It’s important to us but obviously there are so many games to play. You go through really busy spells and both teams will be challenged. But we are just happy where we are now.
“We had Yang back on Sunday, Jota is obviously starting. These guys are getting back to full sharpness and getting minutes. Hopefully this will help and we can build on it.”
The Scottish Premiership title race this season very much looks like it’s going to be back to a two horse race, with Hearts falling away and are now fourth having been leapfrogged by on-form Falkirk.
“It hasn’t been spoken about – but it doesn’t need to be spoken about. We all know the standards at this club that have been set over a number of years. It doesn’t need to be discussed where we want to be – because it’s top of the table.
“Last season wasn’t what we wanted at all and we don’t want a repeat of that.”
Scales reckons that the players will come back with increased confidence after the two important wins over the past five days.
“I do think confidence is a massive part of our group and it was probably hit a little bit. The win against a top side like Besiktas has boosted us a little bit. There’s kind of a better mood around. We just want to keep adding good results,” he said.
Celtic returns to action on Saturday 21 November with a 3pm kickoff at Celtic Park against St Mirren before a trip to Portugal to take on Torreense in the Europa League on Thursday 26 November then it’s an eagerly awaited trip for the Champions to take on last season’s runners up Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday 29 November.
Watch this…
