AUSTON TRUSTY’S season got off to a false start – but the central defender is certainly making up for lost time.
The USA international had started only one game before the arrival of Martin O’Neill a fortnight ago as interim manager following Brendan Rodgers’ sudden resignation.
Trusty, a £6million recruit from Sheffield United on summer deadline day last year, had cameo roles in three outings at the beginning of the campaign and was in at the kick-off for the 4-1 Premier Sports League Cup win over Falkirk at Parkhead in August.
MAN OF THE MATCH…Auston Trusty with the honour following Celtic’s 3-1 Premier Sports League Cup semi-final win over Rangers.
However, the 25-year-old back-four performer has seen his crusade turned upside down as he has picked up Man of the Match awards in successive weekends – the 3-1 semi-final victory over Rangers to seal a showpiece occasion against St Mirren at Hampden next month plus the 4-0 success over Kilmarnock yesterday.
The unfortunate long-term hamstring injury to Cameron Carter-Vickers has opened the door for Trusty.
Rodgers opted for Dane Murray in the vital confrontation against Hearts, but the decision backfired with the young defender enduring a torrid afternoon in Edinburgh.
The Hoops gaffer departed the following day and one of O’Neill’s first decisions was to reinstate Trusty to play alongside Liam Scales in the middle of the rearguard for the visit of John McGlynn’s side on league business.
The hosts eased to a 4-0 triumph and Trusty, with the solid backing of the Republic of Ireland international beside him, was a stand-out in the extra-time win over Danny Rohl’s outfit.
IT TAKES TWO…Auston Trusty looks on as defensive partner Liam Scales repels an Ibrox raid in the Premier Sports League Cup semi-final success at Hampden.
And the double-act performed excellently against Killie as they moved within seven points of Hearts with a game in hand.
Trusty said: “I take advantage of every opportunity.
“I have really good team-mates and coaching staff to help me and the team succeed, so it’s been good.”
The cultured defender is now looking forward to playing for his country in the friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay during the break and, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “The opportunity to play for your international team and get called up, it’s a dream come true.
“That’s something that you always look forward to.
“It’s also good for guys to go away and keep their sharpness.”
PRE-ORDER NOW AND GET £5 OFF! Celtic Confidential is the stunning new book that brings the exclusive inside stories behind the headlines. Alex Gordon’s sixteenth Celtic book will be available later this month. Order a copy now and get £5 OFF the cover price of £25. Be among the first to receive this sensational publication. Just click the image.
