Before fulfilling his dream move to Parkhead, the Republic of Ireland international was delivering food to customers rather than thrilling fans—working as a Deliveroo driver.
Liam Scales, now 26, took an unconventional path to Celtic’s first team after signing a four-year deal from Shamrock Rovers in 2021. Despite making 13 appearances in his debut season, he struggled to break into then-manager Ange Postecoglou’s plans. The following campaign saw him loaned to Aberdeen, where he truly announced himself to Celtic supporters with a stunning strike against Rangers at Pittodrie.
Upon returning for the 2023/24 season, Scales cemented his place in the Hoops’ lineup and hasn’t looked back since. But the defender recently reflected on his journey—from a determined young player in Ireland to his current success at Celtic Park.
During his early days at UCD in the League of Ireland, Scales balanced football with a side job as a delivery driver to make ends meet while on a youth contract. He opened up about his past in a candid interview with YouTuber Jack Keaney during a round of golf.
The conversation, featured on Keaney’s channel Jack’s Tee Time Talks, touched on Scales’ pre-fame hustle—though the host mistakenly thought he had worked for Uber Eats.
“Deliveroo, yeah,” Scales clarified. “I used to cycle around! We weren’t getting paid (for football), so I did Deliveroo to earn a bit of cash.”
Scales explained that he chose UCD over other clubs because of their scholarship program, which allowed him to pursue education alongside football—a priority for his family, especially his teacher mother.
Reflecting on his career beginnings, he said: “I started at Arklow Town at five or six. Football was always my passion—my dad says I’d be kicking a ball in the nursery yard whenever he picked me up. At 16, I moved to UCD. Several clubs were interested, but their scholarship system stood out. My mum valued education, so combining studies with football was ideal”
