Liam Scales commits to Celtic with new four-year deal

Celtic defender Liam Scales has signed a new four-year contract following his breakthrough season.

The Republic of Ireland international has made 40 appearances following his return from a loan spell with Aberdeen.

Centre-back Scales was drafted into the team amid a raft of injuries in defence but, helped by a clean sheet at Ibrox in his second game, he has retained his place in a fully fit squad.

The 25-year-old told his club's website: "I am delighted to agree this new contract and commit my future to Celtic.

"I have really enjoyed working under the gaffer and with such a great group of players this year, and I look forward to doing so again in the coming seasons.

"I love being part of this great club and I want to do all I can to contribute to Celtic and bring our fans as much success as we can."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers feels a new four-year contract for Scales is just reward for the defender digging his side "out of a hole" for much of the campaign.

"He has been a real stalwart this season," Rodgers said. "He has played a lot of games, a lot of minutes. When lots of the players were breaking down earlier in the season he was there for us the whole time.

"So I'm delighted for him because last summer it was probably in doubt where he was going to play.

"Hopefully this summer he can end a winner and an international football player, having signed a new deal. It’s a great reward for his work over the course of the season.

"I am really pleased for him, because he loves being here. He’s dug us out of a hole for a lot of this season when we have had a lot of inconsistencies in that position. I’m delighted he feels rewarded for that."