Celtic are only starting to see glimpses of Liam Scales’ potential and his best is yet to come.
That’s according to Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley who saw Scales swap one set of Hoops for another in August.
Scales has had to be patient at the Scottish giants with just five of his 12 appearances coming in the league.
But the 23-year-old - who was called into the Republic of Ireland squad last year - has impressed when given the chance by Ange Postecoglou.
And the defender’s stunning goal in last week’s 4-0 Scottish Cup demolition of Raith Rovers had Celtic fans purring.
Hoops boss Bradley said today: “To people outside who didn't know him or this league (of Ireland), he's ahead of expectations.
“But for me he's right where I'd see him and I think there's more to come from him.
“When he gets used to everything around him, the environment and how they train, the league, the demands of it, I think they'll see Liam go to another level.
“I was never in any doubt that Liam could go and play at a really high level and he'll go again.
“His ability will obviously allow him that but it's more his attitude and mentality that will really allow him to push on.
“He's done really well and the way we play and they play, it's been an easy transition for them.
“I had a good conversation with Liam before and after (the Raith game) and he says he hasn’t found it in any way difficult because it’s the exact same principles as here.
“He's doing really well and long may it continue.”
Shamrock Rovers had insisted that Scales stay with them until they completed their Champions League and Europa Conference League qualifying matches last summer.
But Bradley revealed today that he battled with Ange Postecoglou when the Australian tried to fast-track the move after seeing Scales play.
Quizzed on his direct dealings with Postecoglou, Bradley said: “They were only at the very start when we had agreed to let Liam go later.
“But then he watched him and wanted him straight away!
And Bradley is planning to meet Postecoglou and Scales in Glasgow, adding: “I was due to go over at Christmas but with Covid we didn't, so I'll get over in the next few weeks.”
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
