Celtic have a relationship with bringing in Irish players that goes right back to their foundations outwith the wider intrinsic links between the Bhoys and the Emerald Isle.
Despite the number of Republic of Ireland internationals who are prominent faces across the football landscape, they haven’t enjoyed a great level of success in the Champions League throughout recent years.
Before Celtic mauled Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday, Darren Gibson was the last Irishman to strike in Europe’s premier competition for Manchester United against Schalke in the 2011 semi-final at Old Trafford.
Liam Scales rose highest to open the scoring for the Bhoys on Wednesday, ending a 13-year drought as he became the man to break that duck in some style.
Once his header came along, Adam Idah ensured it would only take 69 minutes for the next domino to fall, slotting past Dominik Takac with relative ease. Overall, it was a good night for Ireland and an even better one for Celtic.
Brendan Rodgers on the pivotal aspect of Scottish & Irish players
Speaking post-match, Brendan Rodgers referenced the importance of his player pool that hails from Scotland and Ireland, claiming they don’t always get the ‘stellar’ billing that others from elsewhere do.
Greg Taylor was brought into the discussion by the manager. Despite Cameron Carter-Vickers being born in England, he plays internationally for the United States, hence why Scottish and Irish players are the chosen description.
Rodgers said [The Celtic Way]: “I’ve said before, he probably doesn’t get the credit that he deserves. I think with some of our boys, sometimes it’s the way, whether it’s the local guys or whatever. I’ve seen that all my life as a coach.
The British players, the Irish players, they might not be the stellar name. Everyone’s looking for something else. But these are the guys that stand out. They’ll be waiting for you, the Greg Taylors, the Liam Scales, these guys.
“They’re absolutely pivotal to what we’re doing. Liam gets a fantastic goal and was really strong. He played very, very well. I’m really pleased for him because he’s been a really consistent performer for us since he’s got on the team.”
Scales and Idah’s Ireland prospects after Celtic heroics
Idah and Scales have been prominent starters for Ireland in recent international windows. Still, their exploits in the Champions League could go a long way to cementing positions under Heimir Hallgrimsson amid competition for places.
Formerly in charge of Iceland and Jamaica, the 57-year-old faces the challenge of lifting the Boys in Green from 62nd in the FIFA World Rankings, behind Uzbekistan and DR Congo, among others.
Making a difference at the top level, both players have rightfully been acknowledged for their part in a unique achievement for Irish football.
Hopefully, if they continue to strut their stuff in the league phase, their profiles will rise as a result, both at Celtic and on the international scene.
