Auston Trusty had an afternoon to forget today.
Often operating as the only recognised centre back in the Celtic team, the USA international has had to adapt to being more exposed at times under Wilfried Nancy.
Previously being used in partnerships with Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers, Trusty was chopped and changed under previous managers.
But his recovery pace and physicality in the middle of the three has made him an central figure under Nancy.
Speaking ahead of Glasgow’s Derby against Rangers, Trusty spoke about adapting to his new boss.
Michael Stewart fillets Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy. Was he too harsh? Let us know in the comments.
Auston Trusty on Wilfried Nancy’s Celtic system
Trusty had barely been used earlier in the season under Brendan Rodgers, finding himself as third or fourth choice in his position.
But since the interim spell of Martin O’Neill, he hasn’t missed a minute.
READ MORE: Hugh Keevins rages back at Wilfried Nancy’s ‘do your job’ comment at Celtic presser
It may not always be easy to watch, but Trusty perversely finds himself enjoying his new tactical role.
He told Sky Sports: “It’s complicated, but it’s also not complicated. We as players, we have to buy into a more and put it to the test.
“As the main guy back there, I’m there to distribute, but I still have the game to also defend.
“You know, I think it’s a team environment where everyone has defend to defend in certain roles, and certain tasks are being an asked upon each other.
Again, I’m comfortable doing that. At the same time – not that you want to happen – but I kind of enjoy it, because I can show my defensive skills and show my quality as well.
“Because I think a lot of times playing for this team, you don’t really get to show that defensive quality because you have the ball so much and you’re so attacking, so attacking, you score a lot of goals.
“So to be able to show that side of me as well, I actually like it.
“I enjoy it this way – you want to defend, but at the same time, you want to win.”
Is Wilfried Nancy’s position untenable?
Other players in new roles under Wilfried Nancy at Celtic
Yang Hyun-Jun’s new role has come into question, but with his standout performance against Rangers, he certainly looked accustomed to life as a wing-back.
Luke McCowan has also been shifted to a wing-back role, though he inverts in possession. Defensively, there is no doubt that he has been exposed.
Anthony Ralston seems to be the first-choice right-back, but this looks awkward too.
Kieran Tierney is more used to his wide centre-back role, but with a lack of wing-back options in the squad, he may need to vacate it soon…
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