“We went into the camp knowing that not many people gave us a chance because we had to beat Portugal and Hungary away, and judging by our previous form that looked unlikely.

"The first game was obviously brilliant in the Aviva to beat Portugal. We were really good defensively, we kept a clean sheet, we were strong and then to go away to Hungary and to be part of that goal is something that will live with me forever.

"I’ve watched it back I don’t know how many times and emotionally, it’s probably one of the best moments I’ve had on a football pitch.

“We know the job’s not done and we have to go in March and win two tough games (against Czechia, and then, hopefully, the winners of the Denmark v North Macedonia tie) but to have a chance to be able to do that, considering where we were a few weeks ago is brilliant.”

And having enjoyed the celebrations with his own country, Scales was then able to celebrate the exploits of his Celtic team-mates in the dark blue of Scotland, with Kieran Tierney scoring an added time goal to propel Scotland to their first World Cup finals since 1998.

“It was an amazing goal,” the Irishman said. “I nearly knocked my fiancée off the couch when I jumped up to celebrate.

“I could see the ball dropping to KT – he was coming from the right on to his left foot – and it was a great finish. I’m delighted for him and it’s a massive achievement. We want to do the same in March.

“I didn’t think it could get much better than our result but that was brilliant, and for KT to get that goal was brilliant as well. He’s had a couple of hard years with injuries and, again, that’s what you dream of when you’re a kid – scoring the goal to qualify your nation for the World Cup, and he did that.”

Next up for Celtic is a return to UEFA Europa League football and a game against Feyenoord in Rotterdam this Thursday.

The Hoops will be aiming to return to winning ways in the competition following a defeat away to Danish side, FC Midtjylland. In their last fixture.

And they face a Feyenoord side who are below Celtic in the league phase table after three defeats in their opening four fixtures.

“We played against them in the Champions League two years ago and it was a difficult night,” said Liam Scales.

“It’s a tough place to go and we’re just focusing on how to beat them, how to play against them and how to exploit their weaknesses and nullify their strengths. So we’ll be fully equipped and ready on Thursday night.”

Watch the full Celtic TV interview with Liam Scales

Reflections on win over St Mirren
Callum McGregor magic
Premiership title race
Working with Martin O’Neill
Ireland’s winning goal in Hungary
Johnny Kenny’s international debut
Football journey for club and country
Kieran Tierney’s goal for Scotland
Feyenoord preview

Watch the full and exclusive interview with Liam Scales on Celtic TV

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Exclusive Celtic TV interview with Liam Scales