'He's a warrior' - Brendan Rodgers heaps praise on Liam Scales

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers described Republic of Ireland defender Liam Scales as "a warrior" after his player-of-the-match performance in Sunday's 1-0 victory at Rangers.

Scales has been thrust into the team after a season-long loan at Aberdeen following injuries to four centre-backs.

In an Ibrox furnace, the former Shamrock Rovers and UCD man was excellent - composed on the ball and aggressive in the tackle.

"He took time out from the club but what I can rely on, he is a warrior," Rodgers told Sky Sports.

"He stood up, he won his headers, was brave and that's what you have to be at times.

"The first half, our football, some of our combination play, we played very, very well, connecting the game. But any time I have ever won here, you have periods where you have to defend and the players were magnificent."

Scales also hailed a huge win that put the reigning Scottish champions top of the table on goal difference ahead of Motherwell.

"It's huge," he added. "We have had a couple of disappointing results in a row and to come here and win like that...

"We had to dig in, second half was just defending, I enjoyed it, but it was a massive win. It's just one game, the start of the season, but it's good to finish on a win before the international break."

Despite his heroics Scales will not be part of the Ireland squad for the looming Euros double-header against France and the Netherlands.

On Sunday, Nottingham Forest's new signing Andrew Omobamidele was called up as precautionary cover for John Egan, who suffered a knock in action for Sheffield United against Everton on Saturday.