Liam Scales played a decisive part in Republic of Ireland’s remarkable 3-2 win over Hungary, supplying the stoppage-time assist that sealed a result with massive consequences.

The victory confirmed Ireland’s place in the World Cup play-offs and capped off a huge international window for the Celtic defender.

Ireland twice trailed in Budapest and looked to be heading for elimination, but the momentum of the match swung late on. Troy Parrott completed his hat-trick deep into added time, with Scales at the heart of the decisive moment. For a player who has been fighting for minutes at club level, this was another example of him standing up when the pressure rises.

The atmosphere inside the Puskás Aréna was tense long before the winner. Hungary knew a draw was enough for second place, while Ireland needed a victory to stay alive. As the game opened up in the final minutes, Scales pushed forward whenever the chance presented itself. That ambition paid off as Ireland launched one last attack with six minutes added on.

The ball was worked into the box, Scales reacted sharply, and his clever flick across goal found Parrott in the right spot to prod home. Hungarian defenders froze, Parrott didn’t, and Ireland’s bench exploded as the ball hit the net. Scales showed awareness, speed of thought and composure at a stage of the match where one mistake usually ends the contest.

This was the kind of contribution that strengthens Scales’ position with both Ireland and Celtic. His assist against Portugal days earlier had already boosted his standing, but producing again under intense pressure reinforces the value he brings when games are in the balance. The timing of his movement against Hungary was spot on. As Ireland pushed balls into the area looking for chaos, he attacked the right zone and made the flick with purpose rather than hope.

For Ireland, the assist was a sliding-doors moment. Without it, the campaign ends. With it, they head to a play-off with confidence and a sense of belief. Scales has played a direct role in that turnaround across two matches, and his influence hasn’t gone unnoticed back home.

Soccer Football – World Cup – UEFA Qualifiers – Group F – Hungary v Republic of Ireland – Puskas Arena, Budapest, Hungary – November 16, 2025 Republic of Ireland players celebrate after the match REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

From a Celtic perspective, this international window could not have been better for him. Scales has faced competition for his place at club level, but delivering two high-level assists in matches that matter strengthens his case. Celtic benefit when their players return sharper, more confident and involved in decisive actions. Scales has ticked all those boxes and more.

Ireland now move into the play-off picture with momentum, and Scales will arrive back in Glasgow with his stock rising. The hope is that he carries this assertiveness and form into domestic action, where Celtic can make use of a defender who has shown he can deliver when the stakes are at their highest.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Big Liam has been magnificent all season, and if people would be realistic and stop criticizing for the sake of it, or just because they heard someone else criticize him, he is one of our most consistent players.
    Sure he misplaces a pass occasionally! But unlike players like Trusty, Hatate, Engels etc, very rarely are his errors in a dangerous place!
    He’d be one of the first names on my teamsheet every week!
    But then, I look at the game with open mind and eyes, and without bias!

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