Liam Scales rise to Celtic Mr Reliable an inevitability says Jim Goodwin as Aberdeen-themed WhatsApp pep talk revealed

Jim Goodwin was proud to mentor Liam Scales at Aberdeen and insists it was always a certainty that the Irishman would break through into the heart of Celtic’s defence.

When the 25-year-old arrived at Pittodrie last year, it was make-or-break with an inevitable exit out the door likely as time descended through last season. As recent as August, Pittodrie was a possible permanent home for the Irishman but a combination of injuries, departures and good form has Celtic fans applauding the instant progression from one that almost faded away.

Speaking in July after a 1-1 draw to Wolves, the defender spoke to Celtic TV and said: “I don’t know what is ahead of me. I just want to do as well as I can and make as good of an impression as I can on the people here. To do my best, that’s as much as I can do.”

Scales will reunite this afternoon against Barry Robson’s side after they reignited his time at the Scottish champions and the Dundee United boss thinks he can get even better.

Goodwin said: “I’m delighted for Liam that he’s been given the opportunity to do well at Celtic, it’s probably come around with a little bit of good fortune on his part due to the injuries that Celtic picked up in the early part of the season.

“When he was playing, I felt he was playing out of position, I felt he was a much better centre half, I was glad to be able to bring him up to Aberdeen, to get regular game time and prove to Celtic that he’s more than capable of playing at that level.

“I had every confidence in Liam when he got the opportunity - I was communicating with him on WhatsApp a couple of weeks ago prior to the international game (2-0 defeat v Greece) as I was tipped off about getting his first senior cap.

“It was a proud moment for him and