Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley has offered an update on Celtic target Liam Scales.
What's the talk?
Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley has revealed that Celtic target Liam Scales now has a "decision to make" on his future and that he is expecting a transfer to go through 'soon'.
"We’ve all spoken openly from the start. There’s his thinking and our thinking; both clubs have dealt with it really well.
"He’ll definitely be involved in the first one (Flora Tallinn first leg) and hopefully the second. I’m not sure where Liam’s end is at.
"Our stuff is tied up. I’d imagine with the window closing at the end of the month, it’s getting there. If not after Tallinn, it will definitely be soon."
The Hoops have reportedly agreed a £600k deal with the Irish club, with Scales now poised to complete a move to Parkhead in the coming days/weeks.
Exciting times
This update could potentially excite Celtic fans hoping to see more activity in the transfer market from their side. Bradley's comments indicate that an official announcement is not too far away for the centre-back, who will seemingly play his last game for Shamrock Rovers this week before heading down to finalise a switch to Scotland.
It is a difficult one to make judgements on in terms of whether or not he would be a good signing for Celtic, as the data available on his performances is minimal. However, the 23-year-old would arrive at the club with a fair bit of pedigree behind him, with six caps for Ireland's under-21 side and appearances in the Champions League and Europa Conference League for Shamrock this season.
A review from the Irish Examiner explained how he could fit in at Celtic. They wrote: “He’s always been good on the ball. He’s a very brave player who will take the ball in dangerous areas of the pitch. His speed has improved, which is a crucial attribute to have in modern football, and he is more aware of potential danger.”
This suggests that, at the very least, he will be able to step out with the ball and progress Ange Postecoglou's side further up the pitch. He could take on Kristoffer Ajer's role in that sense, by driving with the ball in possession and allowing the Hoops to transition between defence and attack more effectively.
So, whilst it is hard for fans to be certain that he will be a success at Celtic, there are some promising signs on paper that he could be a shrewd addition to the squad. Therefore, the news that he could be closing in on a switch to Scotland could excite the optimists among us.
AND in other news, Alan Nixon drops new claim on "outstanding" £15m dynamo, Celtic fans will be buzzing...