Celtic’s draw against Bologna was a fantastic result in isolation.
But given that Martin O’Neill played most of the encounter with ten men, the context makes the result even more commendable.
It leaves Celtic in a position where victory against Utrecht next week would essentially mean guaranteed qualification to the knockout stages of the Europa League.
It was just a start in what will be a crucial week, however. Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash with Hearts is now the focus for O’Neill.
And one man whose performance in Italy boded well for the game at Tynecastle was Auston Trusty.
Was Auston Trusty your man of the match against Bologna?
Auston Trusty on Celtic’s performance vs Bologna
It could have been even better for Celtic, it must be said.
Reo Hatate opened the scoring in the very early stages, before being sent off. Trusty put the Hoops in dreamland after the sending off.
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After the break, Thijs Dallinga reduced the deficit before Kasper Schmeichel was unable to stop Jonny Rowe’s equalising effort from the edge of the box.
Celtic had to dig in in the end, earning a point to take back to Glasgow. Beyond his goal, Trusty also earned the result with his defending after the break.
And the day after the game, he took to his X account to pay tribute to the win, ranking it among the best of his Hoops career.
He said: “One of my personal favourite nights in a Celtic jersey despite only coming away with a point.
Proud of the team for persevering through a tough away night! Traveling fans were amazing as always.”
Trusty also put in an outstanding shift in the Hoops’ last game in Italy, earning a clean sheet away from home against Atalanta in the Champions League.
He is quickly establishing himself as one of the leaders in O’Neill’s side.
Will Celtic qualify for the next stage of the Europa League?
Celtic’s contenders for Player of the Year so far
There certainly isn’t an overwhelming number of contenders for Player of the Year… if there was, Celtic probably wouldn’t have had four different managerial spells.
Liam Scales’ partnership with Trusty has been central to the team’s form under O’Neill; the Irishman is also in the POTY conversation.
Since breaking into the team in O’Neill’s first spell, Yang Hyun-Jun has looked like a different player – he is now an established starter, contributing goals and assists.
There aren’t too many obvious options elsewhere, though… Kieran Tierney and Benjamin Nygren are both outside shouts, but nothing more than that.
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