Celtic player looks set for Parkhead exit in January

Celtic have been through a bit of a journey already this season. They stumbled out of the gates and questions were immediately raised by some about whether they had made the right move by bringing back Brendan Rodgers. But the Hoops have certainly found their feet since then and are on a bit of a run domestically. That has left them 7 points clear at the top of the league table already.

Some players certainly have benefited immensely from the arrival of Rodgers. One of them is Liam Scales.

Most people expected Scales to leave this summer or have a squad role. But early season injuries meant that he got a chance to play some regular first-team football and he took the opportunity with both hands.

One could argue that Scales has been Celtic’s best player this season till now alongside Matt O’Riley. If he continues to perform like this, it is hard to see anybody taking his spot in the starting XI. That is bad news for some.

Celtic player looks set for Parkhead exit in January

Nat Phillips was only signed on a half-season loan from Liverpool in the summer but there were suggestions that it could be extended if he performed for the Hoops. At the moment, that is already looking unlikely.

Cameron Carter-Vickers and Scales look like the best central defenders that Celtic have when everybody is fully fit. On the other hand, the likes of Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki will hope for minutes as well, after joining in the summer. Stephen Welsh also signed a long-term contract before his injury.

Where does that leave Phillips though? Certainly not in a spot where he would be expected to get a lot of playing time. And if the situation does not change over the next couple of months, there is very little possibility of his loan deal being extended.