Charlie Mulgrew has praised Liam Scales as Celtic's "unsung hero".
The ex-Hoops defender wonders where the Scottish Premiership champions would be without him, highlighting his crucial role since being brought in by Brendan Rodgers during a defensive crisis last summer.
Scales' consistent performances have earned him a new long-term contract, with the centre-back forming a strong partnership alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Writing in his BBC column, the former Scotland international said: "Where would Celtic be if it wasn’t for Scales? Recently, he’s been judged on a couple of balls at the back post.
"I’ve been there myself in terms of when you’re not the main singing for a lot of money, you’re judged quite harshly and scrutinised more.
"I like to look at the things he’s done for the club – he’s been a bit of an unsung hero."