Reo Hatate was awarded Man of the Match after Celtic's comprehensive 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock on Sunday, but Liam Scales was also up there with a shout.

The centre-back barely put a foot wrong against the visitors' aggressive frontline, and even scored his side's second of the afternoon when he headed home a fine Matt O'Riley corner.

Despite accruing over 40 appearances in Brendan Rodgers' first-team last season, it's no secret that the 25-year-old has split opinion among some facets of Celtic fandom – with doubters questioning his ability to play at the highest level.

With 169 successful passes (93%), one successful dribble attempted (100%), six ground duels won (67%), and, of course, his goal on Sunday, Scales post-match stats (as per Wyscout) make for pleasant reading.

Alan Morrison delves even deeper into the left-centre back's numbers from the weekend, and you should absolutely check out his findings in their entirety. 

Throw in the fact that Scales completed more passes alone than the whole Kilmarnock team put together over the course of 90 minutes plus stoppage time, and it's clear the Irishman had a good day at the office.

Read more:

The irony of this is, however, that the sheer grit and determination Scales has shown in spades since his unlikely insertion into the manager's plans at the start of last season probably makes a case for backup in this position.

Rodgers' commitment to squad competition, and indeed squad rotation, has always brought the best out in his players.

James Forrest and Patrick Roberts are fine modern-day examples of this in motion during the manager's first stint in the dugout; as is the former's breakthrough last year ahead of Luis Palma and/or Nicolas Kuhn.

Scales is already giving absolutely everything for Celtic, and more than earned his contract extension last term. But just imagine how much he'd fight for his spot with someone else breathing down his neck, vying for that left-sided centre-back spot.