The Irish contingent at Celtic has grown in recent years but, if the latest reports are to be believed, they may struggle to keep hold of a few of their stars from the Boys in Green.
The historical connection between the Irish national team and Celtic goes without saying, though there was a period in the late 2010s with little Irish representation at the Glasgow club.
As they fight to keep a hold of their Scottish Premiership title amid a fierce battle with Rangers, Celtic may be staring at losing one of their most influential Irish players of recent years, with reports suggesting that Liam Scales is one of two Irish players struggling to nail down a contract extension at the club.
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Report: Celtic transfer talks drag on with Liam Scales and Rocco Vata
The Daily Record reports that Celtic are experiencing difficulties tying down both Liam Scales and 18-year-old Ireland prospect Rocco Vata. Of the Irish pair, the report says that Celtic have contract offers on the table for both - but neither are anywhere near agreeing extensions to their deals.
Vata's contract expires this summer, while Scales' runs down at the end of next season.
Scales arrived in Glasgow almost three years ago and struggled to make an impression on the first team during his first season at the club. After a year on loan with Aberdeen, the centre-back returned to Celtic last summer and was thrust into the action amid an injury crisis.
He has become a pillar of the Celtic defence this season, near-ever-present in both the league and European campaigns. Thanks to his stellar performances at the heart of the Hoops' backline, he has also become a regular of Ireland squads in recent months. He started the winter EURO qualifiers against both Greece and the Netherlands.
12 September 2023; Rocco Vata of Republic of Ireland celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and San Marino at Turner's Cross Stadium in Cork. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
A decision on Vata's future will be far more pressing for Celtic.
The 18-year-old Ireland youth international has enjoyed only a scattering of first-team appearances in recent months but remains a hugely talented prospect drawing attention from both Serie A and the English Championship.
If the Irishman is to leave Celtic this summer, the club would be entitled to compensation from whichever club he lands at next, as he has been on the books at the club since he was seven years old.
Vata, born in Glasgow and eligible to play for Albania through his father Rudi (himself an ex-Celtic player), chose to declare for Ireland when making a call on his international career. The youngster made his debut for the Ireland U21s in September, scoring twice in a 3-2 victory over San Marino.
Elsewhere, Celtic must also make decisions on the futures of Adam Idah and Mikey Johnston.
Idah joined the club on loan from Norwich in January and his goals have proven crucial in keeping some form of momentum behind Celtic's stuttering title defence. Johnston, bereft of regular minutes in Glasgow in the first half of the season, has excelled on loan at West Brom in recent weeks, scoring six goals in his first nine games for the Championship side.
There are a big few months ahead for Celtic's Irish contingent.
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