Liam Scales hoping for strong end to season as Celtic aim to secure double

Liam Scales surveyed a potentially glorious end to Celtic's season following their epic Scottish Gas Scottish Cup semi-final win over Aberdeen on Saturday, but knows there is still plenty of work to do.

A dramatic 6-5 penalty shoot-out victory over the Dons at Hampden Park followed a 3-3 draw and it booked the Hoops a place in the 25 May final against Rangers or Hearts, who face off at the national stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The victory made it a double celebration this weekend for Scales, after he was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year for his performances this campaign.

Celtic are three points clear of Rangers at the top of the cinch Premiership with five post-split fixtures remaining, one of which is the visit of their Old Firm rivals to Celtic Park.

Scales acknowledged the importance of momentum going into the business end of the season.

"We are coming in strong to the last part of the season and that’s the way we like it and that’s the way we want it to be," said the former UCD defender.

"With five games left in the league we want to try and put that to bed and then deal with the cup.

"It probably won’t be that simple but that’s the plan."

Scales, who signed from Shamrock Rovers in August 2021, was on loan at Aberdeen last season and there was speculation about him possibly signing a permanent deal with the Granite City club.

However, the Republic of Ireland international became a regular starter for Celtic this season under returning boss Brendan Rodgers and he is looking to continue on in the same manner.

"I really enjoyed my time at Aberdeen and it is a great club," he said.

"To break into the team here is brilliant.

"I’m delighted how the season has gone. We just need to finish the season strong in our last five