Liam Scales is having quite the season so far.
Nothing much will top what the Celtic defender experienced in Budapest on Sunday, as the Republic of Ireland kept their World Cup hopes alive in the most dramatic of fashions.
Scales supplied the headed assist for Troy Parrott’s 96th-minute winner, as Ireland beat Hungary 3-2 at the Puskás Aréna.
One man who was inside the stadium to witness that whirlwind game was Ireland legend Ray Houghton, and he gave Scales his flowers.
Photo by Robert Szaniszlo/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesRay Houghton on Liam Scales’ role in Ireland’s seismic win over Hungary
Parrott is undoubtedly getting the headlines because of his hat-trick, as well as his brace for Ireland’s win over 10-man Portugal last Thursday in Dublin.
But speaking to RTE Sport, live from Budapest, Houghton wanted to highlight the role Scales played, and how it wouldn’t have been possible without the Celtic man.
“I couldn’t see Ireland getting the winner,” admitted Houghton. “Particularly after Kenny had that opportunity, which I thought he did everything right.
“It was a great strike. He was in the right position. He has hit it well, but the keeper has spread himself and made an unbelievable save.
“Then, what a header from Liam Scales. You talk about Troy’s finish. But if Liam doesn’t get a touch on it. It doesn’t matter where Troy runs; he isn’t going to get the opportunity.
“So, the delivery from Caoimhin, the flick on from Liam, and then Troy being in the right position to get his studs on it and get it beyond the goalkeeper. Then just pure euphoria.”
‘Two of the greatest flicked headers in Irish history’
Ireland will now go through a two-legged play-off next year, in their bid to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in America, Canada and Mexico.
If they reach football’s greatest and biggest ever stage, then this win over Hungary will become even more historical and generational.
But Balls.ie’s social media account is already there because they are regarding Scales’ flicked header, as ‘the two greatest flicked headers in Irish history.’
They compared it to Niall Quinn’s assist to Robbie Keane, from the last time Ireland were at a World Cup in 2002, and the stoppage-time equaliser against Germany.