Celtic defender Liam Scales sat down with teenage superfan Paudie O'Callaghan in Glasgow, offering a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at the club ahead of the new Premiership season. The meeting comes as Celtic sit 3rd in Premiership, 67 pts, 21W‑4D‑8L from 33 games, recent form WWWWW, just three points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian.
Who is Paudie O'Callaghan and why does Celtic matter to him?
Paudie, a 16‑year‑old from Limerick, describes Celtic as a family tradition – his parents and grandparents all support the club. "Celtic means everything to me," he says, recalling countless trips to Paradise. This is his first full‑access visit, letting him explore the stadium, training facilities and meet the players he idolises.
What did Scales reveal about his toughest opponent?
When asked about his biggest challenge, Scales named Cristiano Ronaldo, recalling two matches against the Portuguese star. "The first time they beat us in Portugal 3‑0 and he scored two goals. All he needs is half a yard of space and the ball is in the back of the net," he laughed, noting the difficulty of containing such a talent.
How does the Irish defender unwind off the pitch?
Scales enjoys fishing and occasional golf when his schedule permits. Music also features in his routine – he grew up listening to Oasis and attended their recent reunion gig, naming "Live Forever" as his favourite track.
Which Celtic legends does Scales admire most?
The defender’s all‑time favourite is Henrik Larsson, praising the Swede’s goal‑scoring record and versatility. Scales joked that Larsson could still feature for Celtic, noting his later success with Manchester United and a Champions League win with Barcelona, underscoring the player’s quality.
What match does Scales remember most vividly?
Scales highlighted the November 2024 home game against Leipzig, describing the electric atmosphere and a 3‑1 victory as his first European experience. He believes that night captured the spirit of Celtic’s European ambitions.
What are Scales’ expectations for the upcoming season?
Despite winning the league last term, Scales admits the squad needs reinforcement after several departures over the summer. "We need a bit more quality and improvements on last year," he says, acknowledging the club’s current Goals this season: 59 scored, 35 conceded (+24 goal difference) and the narrow margin behind the league leaders.
What lies ahead for Celtic?
Celtic’s next fixture is a home clash with Motherwell on 26 December 2026, where they sit 4th in the table. Scales remains optimistic, hoping the team can close the three‑point gap and reclaim the title. The interview wraps up with Paudie asking Scales a rapid‑fire round of questions, offering fans a fresh glimpse of the player’s personality and ambitions.
Season 2 of Total Football, presented by Aisling O'Reilly and David MC, is now streaming on RTÉ Player, delivering more behind‑the‑scenes stories from Celtic and beyond.
