Brendan Rodgers has spoken about Auston Trusty after his showing in midweek against Atalanta as Celtic prepare to take on Motherwell this weekend.
The United States international was thrust in alongside Liam Scales for the tie in Bergamo, with Cameron Carter-Vickers still injured for the Bhoys at the time due to a foot problem.
Living up to his price tag, Auston Trusty played a starring role for Celtic against Atalanta, announcing himself to supporters as he continues to settle in after his move from Sheffield United.
Tasked with being the enforcer at the back, the £6 million signing made it his mission to quite literally get to grips with the Atalanta frontline, successfully manouvering them to one side as Brendan Rodgers’ resiliant side took a well-earned point from the Champions League affair.
Now, the Irishman has addressed his performance as his side prepare for a return to domestic action against Motherwell at Fir Park.
Brendan Rodgers heralds ‘immense’ Celtic man Auston Trusty
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Rodgers hailed Trusty’s ‘immense’ performance against Atalanta and highlighted his speed and power as two key pillars Celtic can rely on moving forward.
He stated: “Yeah, I thought it was immense in the game. I thought him and Scales both were. But Scales I’ve seen now for a long time, one of his great superpowers is defending the box. He’s great at defending, and when it comes in, he puts his head on it.
“For Auston, big admiration, especially since he’s come in. He’s a player that’s been playing on the wrong side, virtually all his time, but he’s just got on with it and coped with it. But then you see one of the big reasons why we did bring him in, his ability to leap and defend in the box, he’s really powerful with his head.
“But also his speed, there were a couple of recovery runs in behind, he’s super quick and he got there on a couple of occasions. So, I was so, so pleased for him.
“Sometimes, you need a big performance like that at the big clubs to really show your value. But, yeah, he’s settled in really, really well and I’m really pleased for him.”
Auston Trusty is cementing himself at Celtic
It goes without saying, but playing on the wrong side from the one you prefer is a fairly rude introduction to life at a new club.
Nevertheless, Trusty has taken the challenge in his stride at Celtic and is slowly cementing a handy partnership with Scales in central defence.
Earlier today, Rodgers confirmed Carter-Vickers could be involved against Motherwell, something which may spell change in the defensive ranks this weekend.
Either way, his American counterpart has done enough to stay in the side on Sunday, so you would expect he will be selected.
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