“I Won’t!” – Liam Scales Makes Hilarious Alistair Johnston Admission

Liam Scales could find himself up against a familiar face when Ireland take on Canada on Saturday night.

The Celtic defender has been speaking ahead of the international friendly, with club teammate Alistair Johnston in line to feature for Canada. It adds a bit of Hoops interest to the fixture, especially if Scales is used further forward for Ireland.

Scales has played at left wing-back for his country before, which could put him directly in Johnston’s path. The Canadian is usually at his best bombing forward from right-back, so there is a real chance the two Celtic men could end up sharing the same side of the pitch.

It comes after Johnston worked his way back from injury towards the end of Celtic’s season. His return gave Martin O’Neill another strong option during the run-in, and Scales clearly feels his teammate handled the comeback well.

Scales was in good humour when asked about the possibility of facing Johnston.

He said: (Daily Record), “Oh yeah! I’ve played on the left wing-back for Ireland as well, so I actually might be against him!

“But I won’t (smash him), I definitely won’t do that to AJ. You know, he’s a teammate. Hopefully, I’ll get his jersey after the game, so that’s about it.

“He’s top class. He’s an incredible athlete and he’s again another leader.

“I don’t know how many caps he’s got for Canada, I think somewhere in the 50s, and he’s only 27 or 28.

“He’s another one that leads the group when he’s in it, and he’s a great player.

“It was great to have him back. I think he managed it perfectly.

“It’s tough coming back from a long-term injury like that and having games back-to-back, and he flew through it.

“Hopefully now he goes and does the same in the World Cup.”

The comments show the respect inside the Celtic dressing room for Johnston. He has become one of the club’s most reliable characters when fit, and Scales’ words about his leadership are telling.

For Celtic supporters, the main hope will be that both players get through the match without any issues. Johnston’s fitness has already been carefully managed, and Ireland will also want Scales ready for their next challenge.

If Scales does line up on the left and Johnston starts for Canada, both will know exactly what the other likes to do.

That should make for an interesting watch on Saturday night, even in a friendly. For once, Celtic fans may find themselves watching both flanks at the same time.