Celtic defender Auston Trusty is still waiting for a big chance to impress with the United States national team after Mauricio Pochettino’s first match in charge.
Trusty was named in the USA squad for two games this week, with hopes that he would be given an opportunity at the start of a new era for his country.
The Bhoys summer signing has two caps but hasn’t played since appearing as a substitute in a Nations League final win over Canada in June 2023.
Pochettino was appointed as USA boss last month and had the chance to experiment in a friendly against Panama on Saturday night.
Celtic defender Auston Trusty unused in USA win
However, he didn’t turn to Trusty in Austin, Texas, despite injuries ruling out Crystal Palace star Chris Richards and fellow Celtic teammate Cameron Carter-Vickers.
The Argentinian named a flexible back three of veteran Tim Ream, Toulouse talent Mark McKenzie and youngster Joseph Scally, with Fulham’s left-sided star Antonee Robinson performing a wing-back role.
There will be few complaints from a USA perspective. The Americans ran out 2-0 winners with Yunus Musah and Ricardo Pepi on the scoresheet.
Trusty can still make a positive impression on Pochettino
With training continuing through to a mid-week friendly match away to Mexico on Wednesday night, Trusty still has time to catch Pochettino’s eye and could even be used in that one if the new USA boss is keen on seeing what all his new charges can do.
The former Sheffield United defender is competing for a place at club level too, with Carter-Vickers due back in training ahead of the upcoming Aberdeen match at Celtic Park.
It’s yet to be determined whether Brendan Rodgers will use Trusty or the in-form Liam Scales in that left-sided centre-back spot alongside Carter-Vickers.
This weekend, with all the travel involved for Trusty, the smart money is on Scales continuing for now.
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