Liam Scales applauded for smashing Celtic ceiling as 'perfect example' defender gets Brendan Rodgers beaming

Liam Scales is the 'perfect example' to his Celtic teammates – and deserves huge credit for smashing the ceiling and establishing himself as a starter.

That's the view of beaming Brendan Rodgers who couldn't speak highly enough of the Ireland cap ahead of their trip to face Ross County. The Celtic boss was speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Dingwall where they have the chance to extend their margin at the top to eight points, with Rangers pausing their Premiership campaign for the Viaplay Cup.

It's been a massive turnaround for Scales this season, who was frozen out of the squad altogether when these two sides met on the opening day of the season. He's started their eight league games in a row though and speaking ahead of the Premiership showdown, Rodgers - who confirmed Cameron Carter-Vickers is fit to return to his starting XI after a rest against St Mirren - was full of praise for his surprise package at the back.

He said: "John Kennedy who leads the coaching does a very good job of ensuring that what the players do on the pitch, they are very much together. No-one is left isolated even though it's huge numbers.

"The players deserve huge credit because they are very professional, they come in to work. They know it can change very quickly in football. You might be outside of it but you have to be ready to take your chance.

"Liam's the perfect example of that. He was on the outside, not even travelling with some of the squads, then he gets the chance to play and because of that mentality and professional approach, he steps in and he's ready. He gains confidence and now he's playing at a really high level."