Liam Scales continues to defy the odds at Celtic.

The surprise package of Brendan Rodgers' first season back at the club, Scales looked to be on his way out of the club following a loan spell at Aberdeen last season. This, coupled with the arrivals of both Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagierbielke, indicated that the writing was perhaps on the wall for the Republic of Ireland defender regarding his Celtic career.

However, thanks to the misfortune of injuries inflicted on the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Stephen Welsh and the aforementioned Nawrocki, Scales has been an ever-present in Rodgers' backline this campaign.

Playing every minute of the last 15 matches since his inclusion against St Johnstone at home in August, the 25-year-old has been a mainstay in proceedings, leading to the likes of Nat Phillips, Lagerbielke and the returning Nawrocki to have to settle for a spot on the bench. There have even been occasions where these players have not been able to make the bench despite being fully fit, thanks to the form of Scales.

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With Celtic playing Motherwell this weekend, you would expect Scales to retain his place in the team, as he has hardly put a foot wrong since being handed his big chance following that injury crisis. With Phillips set to leave in January to go back to his parent club Liverpool, it leaves an interesting dilemma for Rodgers and Celtic to be in regarding their defensive options and what the pecking order currently looks like.

Will there be a return to the side for Nawrocki, who has not played a game since picking up a nasty hamstring injury at Rugby Park in August? Or will Lagerbielke make a surprise start after being left out of proceedings despite being fully fit to contribute?

They all have valid arguments to stake their claim but it will most likely be the former Shamrock Rovers man who gets the nod once again. With the form that Scales is in, who can realistically argue against his further inclusion?

Join Ryan McGinlay with special guest Tino from The Celtic Exchange, as they discuss this talking point as well as many others on The Celtic Way's morning briefing.