Liam Scales will not be thrown straight into the deep end, insists Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou.
The former Shamrock Rovers defender made his debut for the Scottish club against Raith Rovers last week, and with injuries putting a strain on the squad, Scales has found himself in and around the first team.
And with Postecoglou likely to be without up to ten first team players for their Europa League clash against Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday, Scales is set to feature amongst the bench.
But despite an encouraging start to life in Glasgow, Postecoglou noted that Scales was inexperienced at such a level and will need time to develop.
"It was good for Liam to make his debut against Raith," Postecoglou said.
"He has come from a different league and has had to get adjusted to training but we were looking for an opportunity to give him some game time.
"When you make your debut you are going to be a little bit nervous so it was great for him to come on against Raith and take his first steps.
"Although he is a bit older in terms of years he is still very inexperienced at this level so we will give him time and develop him properly.
"We sign players because we see something in them but the next step is for them to grab their opportunity."
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