Celtic defender Liam Scales’ World Cup hopes are finished after Ireland fell to Czechia on penalties in Prague.
It was a brutal way to go, especially given how the night unfolded. Ireland had control, held a two-goal lead, and looked on course for the play-off final.
Scales could only watch it happen. The Celtic defender was suspended for the tie, left in the stands as Ireland let the game drift away from them.
By the time Czechia pulled one back, there was a sense of nerves creeping in. The equaliser arrived in the 86th minute and you knew where it was heading.
Extra time came and went without a winner. Penalties decided it, and Ireland came up short.
Thousands of travelling supporters had made the trip to Prague, expecting to see their side take the next step towards this summer’s tournament.
Instead, they watched it unravel in front of them.
Czechia now move on to face Denmark for a place at the World Cup. Ireland head home with nothing but regret.
Last weekend’s defeat to Dundee United has tightened things at the top. The margin for error is now gone.
Brendan Rodgers’ side still have the quality to get over the line, but performances need to match that quickly.
Scales will return with fresh disappointment, but also with a clear run of games ahead.
Celtic need him switched on.
There is a title to be won, and no room left for slip-ups.
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