Chuffed Liam Scales says joining Celtic is a dream but admits he must take his game to the next level if he is to cut it in Glasgow.
The 23-year-old swapped the Hoops as he left Shamrock Rovers for a new adventure at Parkhead and he can't wait to make the most of his big chance.
Celtic supporters have been doing their homework on Scales and it's been noted by many that he has played in a variety of roles at his previous club.
And Scales believes his versatility could be key as he looks to offer Ange Postecoglou options across his backline with a flurry of key fixtures after the international break.
Speaking to Celtic's official website, he said: “Over the years I’ve played in plenty of positions. I suppose when I was younger I was a left-sided midfielder and I kind of dropped back.
"At UCD I played mainly as a centre-back and I played a bit of left-back there as well, and in my first season at Shamrock Rovers I played centre-back. But with injuries to players this season I was put out left and I did quite well.
“So I suppose I’m a versatile left-sided defender and I can play anywhere between the three positions – centre-back, left wing-back, left-back – as long as I’m playing, I’m happy.”
Scales isn't arriving at Lennoxtown unaware and admits he has been watching Postecoglou's way of playing that focuses on a high intensity from first whistle to last.
And he is certain his experiences so far should stand him in good stead as he aims to make an instant impact like Kyogo and Liel Abada in new surroundings.
He added: “It’s high-intensity and they have a lot of possession with the full-backs coming inside to midfield. It’ll take some time to get used to the system but I’m already working on it now and I’ve been watching the games.
“It’s similar in a way to Shamrock Rovers as it’s a possession-based team, so I know I have the experience to go and fit right in.
'It’s a massive step up, I know that myself and I know I’m going to have to be on it to make that step, but I’m more than ready. I’m really happy to be here and to be able to show that I can do it at this level.'
“I know it’s a massive club with a massive fanbase, and a massive fanbase back home in Ireland so I just want to do my family proud, and do well.”
“Collie at UCD helped me a lot, he put a lot of faith in me as a young player. I played a lot there, I played a lot of senior games which a lot of young lads don’t really get the chance to do.
“So that helped me an awful lot, and obviously Stephen Bradley the manager at Shamrock Rovers, as well as Glenn Cronin and Stephen McPhail, they all helped me an awful lot to develop me as player and a person as well, so I owe them an awful lot.”
