Celtic simply can’t afford any slip-ups this month because the reaction isn’t going to be pleasant.
On Sunday, Celtic take on Aberdeen after securing a 1-0 win over St Mirren on Flag Day, and the opening game of the 2025/26 Premiership season.
Brendan Rodgers’ team selection is already proving to be a talking point, mainly because of how the 2025 summer transfer window has gone, and also what he has on the bench.
Against St Mirren, despite a strong pre-season, Auston Trusty was left on the bench, and Liam Scales was picked ahead of him, which raised a few eyebrows.
Auston Trusty’s role under Brendan Rodgers at Celtic
Don’t get it twisted, Scales was outstanding against St Mirren, but you have to question what this now means for someone like Trusty?
That was put forward by Tam McManus, as he questioned whether the American is Rodgers’ cup of tea’, especially given the money he was purchased for, as he told PLZ Soccer.
Celtic signed Trusty for £6 million last summer, and alongside £11 million man Arne Engels and £3.5 million signing Paulo Bernardo, he was sitting on the bench for the St Mirren game.
“It’s interesting that Scales started before Trusty,” said McManus. “You know, £6 million. It’s one of them ones, is he Brendan’s cup of tea?
“Because he has been in and out of the team a wee bit for that sort of money.”
Alan Rough then added: “I think Trusty still has time on his hands. I still think he is quite young.
“Any manager will tell you, the more positions you have filled, the better, and certainly, these guys seem to pick up particular injuries. Cameron Carter-Vickers picks up injuries here and there, so the more centre-halves you can get, the better.”
Celtic’s centre-back options after Jahmai Simpson-Pusey’s arrival
Another centre-back has entered the Celtic building, with Jahmai Simpson-Pusey arriving from Manchester City on a season-long loan deal.
It’s pretty clear that he hasn’t joined to warm the bench, so you wonder what type of role he will play at the back because his preference is to play on the right side, which is where Cameron Carter-Vickers operates.
Either way, there are plenty of options for Rodgers to pick from during these coming weeks because the games, especially the Champions League qualifiers, are going to come thick and fast.
- Cameron Carter-Vickers
- Jahmai Simpson-Pusey
- Liam Scales
- Hayato Inamura
- Auston Trusty
- Dane Murray
- Stephen Welsh
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