'Stalwart' Scales signs four-year deal at Celtic

"Stalwart" defender Liam Scales has signed a new four-year contract at Celtic.

The 25-year-old moved to the Scottish champions from Shamrock Rovers in August 2021, but has only become a regular this season, playing 40 games.

Capped three times for the Republic of Ireland, he spent last term on loan at Scottish Premiership rivals Aberdeen.

With Carl Starfelt sold to Celta Vigo in the summer, Celtic signed Naik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke.

However, Scales has been the most used centre-half at the club this term.

"He's been a real stalwart for us this season, played a lot of games and minutes," manager Brendan Rodgers said.

"When lots of the players were breaking down earlier in the season, he was the one guy that was there for us the whole time."

Scales says he has enjoyed "being part of this great club" and vowed to help bring further success.

Meanwhile Japan forward Daizen Maeda will return to the Celtic squad for their match against Hearts on Saturday, after recovering from a hamstring injury suffered last month.

"It’s great news for us, thinking he was not going to be available initially," said Rodgers.

"He has recovered remarkably well and I think we all see he is a specimen physically. He has got back and it’s brilliant news for us.”