Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has explained to fans the reasoning behind the delay in getting a deal for Shamrock Rovers defender Liam Scales over the line.
Early on Friday morning, the Hoops announced the signing of the Irishman who signed a four-year deal with the club, in a deal that had rumbled on for several weeks before being officially completed.
However, as quoted by the Daily Record, Postecoglou has opened up on the reasoning behind that, explaining that his former side was looking to keep a hold of Scales until their involvement in European Football was over.
“It’s one we’ve been working on for a while. His club has been involved in European competition; they’ve been doing really well and were keen to keep hold of him for as long as they could.
“And that was okay with us. But it’s good to get him in.
“He’s a good young talent; he can play in a couple of positions at the back; it gives us some extra reinforcement and depth in an area we needed.
“I’m looking forward to working with him.”
As mentioned, many were left unsure about what was happening in the club’s pursuit of the 23-year old defender, with early reports from several weeks ago stating that the deal was already close to completion.
Finally, though, after Rovers were eliminated from the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night, Celtic and Postecoglou were able to get their man.
It remains to be seen the sort of role that Scales will have in the 56-year old’s side. But it gives Ange another option in an area we need bodies.
