'It’s been a bit mad all right': Scales scoops man of the match award at Aviva

Ireland’s Liam Scales with Ayoub Al-Oui of Qatar. Pic: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Fresh from a Scottish domestic double with Celtic, Liam Scales admitted his man of the match award against World Cup-bound Qatar has capped a "mad season".

The Wicklow native picked up the accolade in front of 28,981 fans at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday evening as Corrie Ndaba, Jaden Umeh and Mason Melia all made their senior debuts for the Republic of Ireland.

“Yeah, it’s been a bit mad all right. But it was a really good season, to finish on high, with Celtic. And it's good to get the win tonight too as well. Victory in the last home game of the season. It was good for the home fans. Yeah, happy all around,” said the Barndarrig man.

The impressive Jack Moylan was controversially sent off by Northern Ireland referee Jamie Robinson just before half-time, which put a dampener on proceedings.

“I thought Jack was brilliant. He was really exciting, and I think it was a bit rash from the referee to show the red card. But being honest, I didn't think it was that bad, and especially in a friendly game with how it was going. Look, it made us kind of react, to dig in from that from there, and we did that,” added the former UCD and Shamrock Rovers man.

The visitors also had record goalscorer Almoez Ali sent off after coming on as a second-half substitute.

“Again, yeah, bizarre is the word. I think it's confusing because neither team wants them sent off. They are trying to prepare for the World Cup. You know, they want to face the strongest side possible like us. So, yeah, it was bizarre,” Scales admitted.

The defender started alongside Dara O’Shea, match winner Nathan Collins, and Jake O’Brien lined out in front of goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

“I think we only had a two-day lead in coming into the game, training-wise. So, I think he (the manager) wanted to go with experience for that reason and you know, it paid off in the end. And I'm sure we'll see more faces in Canada now next week," Scales stated.

The 27-year-old also revealed his delight at Ndaba, Jaden Umah and Mason Melia picking up their first Senior caps for the Boys in Green.

“Yeah, I felt the atmosphere when they came on. The fans did too. I felt it. It's an amazing feeling, so I'm happy for them. I'm proud of them as well.”