Liam Scales will miss the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Portugal on Saturday night following a family bereavement.
The Celtic defender has withdrawn temporarily from the squad but is expected to rejoin ahead of the second qualifier against Armenia in Dublin next Tuesday. In his absence, QPR centre-back Jimmy Dunne has been drafted in as cover.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) today confirmed the news via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Jimmy Dunne called into the squad for the Portugal and Armenia matches. Defender Liam Scales will not travel to Lisbon due to a family bereavement but will come back into the squad for the Armenia match. Our thoughts are with him and his family at this time.”
Jimmy Dunne called into the squad for the Portugal and Armenia matches 🇮🇪
Defender Liam Scales will not travel to Lisbon due to a family bereavement but will come back into the squad for the Armenia match. Our thoughts are with him and his family at this time. pic.twitter.com/fN4diFjBE8
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) October 9, 2025
Scales has been a regular in the Ireland setup of late and continues to play a prominent role in Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic defence. His brief absence from the international scene will allow time to be with his family, with his return set for October 15 at the Aviva Stadium.
The Irish defender has nailed down a place in the starting XI at Celtic. The club brought Auston Trusty into the side last summer, but the American internationalist is struggling to break into the squad.
Scales has already seen off competition from Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke, and looks to be keeping Trusty out of the team too.
We at CeltsAreHere offer condolences and well-wishes to Liam Scales and his loved ones during this difficult time.
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