Jim Goodwin shoots Celtic loan critics down as Aberdeen boss insists he is 'comfortable' with Liam Scales transfer

Defiant Jim Goodwin reckons Aberdeen fans should be "comfortable" with Liam Scales’ arrival at Pittodrie after a backlash over another loan arrival from Celtic.

Scales penned a season-long loan from the Scottish Premiership champions over the summer to make the Irishman the latest star to leave Parkhead for the Granite City on a temporary basis. Ryan Christie was a success during his loan stay at Pittodrie, before returning to Glasgow to forge out a successful career in Glasgow's east end. In contrast, Adam Montgomery failed to make an impact during his loan stint last term.

The deal for Scales led to a section of the Aberdeen support urging the club to stop signing players from the Scottish champions on short-term deals before their thumping win over Stirling Albion, with a banner calling for "no more Celtic loans". The Dons boss has now shut down any doubts over the Ireland U21 cap, insisting the full-back has already silenced any doubters with his Premier Sports Cup performances.

When asked if he could understand fan grievances at players being brought in from rival clubs, Goodwin told Sky Sports News: "Listen, Liam Scales is a quality player. I tried to get him on a couple of occasions when I was St Mirren manager and he was over at Shamrock Rovers.

'He's a top player and he gives us great balance on that left hand side. He's the best option available for us right now.

'We did enquire to Celtic about trying to make it a permanent one, but they prefer to go down the loan route. So, I'm quite comfortable with it.

"I think the supporters should be too. I think they recognise what Liam has brought to the team so far. He has been one of our standout performers in this early part (of the season)."

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