Liam Scales told Celtic display against Rangers his best yet as Hoops hero reveals exact reason why

Liam Scales have been hailed for having his best ever game for Celtic against Rangers.

Brendan Rodgers had to chuck in the defender last season amid an injury crisis in the heart of the Hoops' defence and he has been an ever-present since with his boss recently singing his praises. The champions moved to add further depth to the backline by splashing out on USA international Auston Trusty on deadline day - with the stopper watching on from the bench against Philippe Clement's side.

Republic of Ireland international Scales, has kept the likes of Maik Nawrocki, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Stephen Welsh out of the team in the past year after forming a strong bond with Cameron Carter-Vickers. He now faces a fresh training ground battle to with Frank McAvennie insisting he stepped up to the mark due to having fresh competition - similarly with Greg Taylor.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “Scales has stepped up to the mark. That’s the best game I’ve seen Scales play. All of a sudden we bring a centre-back in and Scales steps up.

“That’s what competition does for you, and it’s great, we’ve not had that competition for a long time. Now he’s got competition, Scales has stepped up to the mark. Greg Taylor didn’t do too badly either.

“Maybe that’s what has been lacking at the back and fair play to the boy. I know I’ve been criticising him but he stepped up over the weekend and did well.”

The former Celtic striker also touched on Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah while he also praised 'hot on the heels' Aberdeen for their perfect start to the campaign with the top two scheduled to go head to head next month. He added: “I love watching the boy (Kyogo) play. What an interview after the game, it’s great to see someone so excited who