By:
Mark Hendry
Liam Scales has been hailed as a “colossus” for Celtic after a strong performance vs Bologna.
The Republic of Ireland defender impressed in the Europa League draw in Italy on Thursday night.
Scales and his centre-back pairing with Auston Trusty were imperious against the Italians.
And the 2-2 draw at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara kept Celts in with a shout of making the knockout stage.
It could all have been different with Martin O’Neill raging at Reo Hatate’s red card.
That came after he had opened the scoring and before Trusty made it 2-0.
But the interim Celtic manager refused to feel sorry for himself or his team.
Instead, the 73-year-old chose to look at the positives as he applauded his central defenders for their performances.
Martin O’Neill hails ‘colossal’ Liam Scales
Singling out goal scorer Trusty at first, O’Neill acknowledged his standout showing.
But he also opted to pile praise on his countryman for his showings this term as a whole under O’Neill’s guidance.
“Trusty was magnificent. He was absolutely magnificent,” the boss said.
“As he has been in my time here and I’m sure before that.
“I couldn’t give him any higher praise than the performance he put in.
“He was absolutely magnificent, as were the team.
“He and Scales have been really great as a defensive two for me during the time I’ve been here.
“Trusty epitomised the spirit of the team. It was colossal, really colossal.”
O’Neill has been a revelation for the Hoops since he took over in his second interim period.
The veteran is yet to suffer domestic defeat in Scotland while he has now produced two massive Euro results.
Celtic defeated Feyenoord in the Netherlands in O’Neill’s first stint in charge this season.
Can Celtic still qualify for Europa League knockout?
The Dutch giants were bested all over the pitch by Celts back in November.
Both Scales and Trusty started that night, too, in what was another excellent outing.
The club’s European campaign has had ups and downs with big wins and equally significant defeats.
The Scottish Premiership giants now sit 24th in the League Phase.
Their point in Bologna gives them the opportunity to remain in the competition and face a playoff.
Celtic only have Utrecht at home left to play and three points would seal their spot.
Eredivisie’s 10th placed side are already eliminated from the Europa League as they sit on just one point from a possible 21.
And in front of a packed out Parkhead the assumption might be a home win on the night.
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