Auston Trusty states what he ‘didn’t realise’ about Martin O’Neill after meeting Celtic boss

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Auston Trusty was just two years old when Martin O’Neill first walked into Celtic Park in 2000.

Fast forward to the present, and O’Neill is back in Celtic colours, at the bright young age of 73, and bringing some much-needed energy back to the champions.

From a tactical and coaching standpoint, O’Neill and Shaun Maloney wouldn’t have been able to work on much since replacing the departed Brendan Rodgers.

That’s because they have two midweek matches to deal with, as well as Celtic’s League Cup semi-final win over Rangers from the weekend.

But this is where Celtic’s Treble-winning coach comes into his own, and Trusty is beginning to understand just what the Irishman is like behind the scenes.

• READ MORE: Who is Auston Trusty? Meet one of Celtic’s most expensive defensive recruits of all-time

Auston Trusty expresses Martin O’Neill surprise

One of the best things about having O’Neill back at Celtic is how he interacts with the media and supporters. There is a tinge of Brian Clough about his character.

That witty charm, dry sense of humour, and blunt nature are filtering through to the players, and Trusty has noticed it.

Speaking to Celtic TV, the USMNT international admitted that he just ‘didn’t realise’ how funny O’Neill is after being in his company.

“I would say Martin, I didn’t know him personally,” said Trusty. “But to come in and see his charisma. I didn’t realise how funny he actually is.

“Just to see that. The knowledge. The whole coaching staff has, it’s been really good, and I think we have all really reacted to it in a really positive way, and that’s the results we have seen.”

Trusty shares what Shaun Maloney and O’Neill did straight away

Celtic were at a low ebb just before Rodgers left, including getting well-beaten by the current Premiership leaders, Hearts.

What’s interesting is that Trusty feels the ‘confidence’ O’Neill and Maloney have brought was what ‘we needed.’

“Great (to work with),” said Trusty about Maloney and O’Neill. “As soon as they came in, they just filled us all with full of confidence. That’s what we needed.

“I think we have reacted well to the messages and how they come into the team.”