The plaudits for Celtic’s performance against St Johstone continue to flood in after the brillaint performane Brendan Rodgers’ team put on at McDiarmid Park.
Six goals by five differerent goalscorers increased Celtic’s goal difference advantage at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to +12 from Aberdeen and +14 from Rangers who still sit five points behind.
However, it wasn’t Celtic’s attacking prowess that only impressed Liam Scales on Saturday night as the Irishman pointed out one player he says was ‘so solid’ against interim Saints manager, Stevie Kirk’s side.
Auston Trusty was ‘brilliant’ for Celtic vs St Johnstone
The Republic of Ireland international was paired up with Auston Trusty as the US defender stepped in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.
And Scales praised his Celtic teammate for producing the goods in his first league start since his summer move from Sheffield United.
Scales told The Scottish Sun, “Auston was brilliant against St Johnstone. He didn’t look out of place at all.
“He didn’t look uncomfortable and that’s brilliant.
“We’re two lefties and he got the short straw playing on the right! But he was so solid on the ground and in the air. He was really, really good.
“He’s a top player and I think, whoever it is, we’re ready as we’ve had a chance to play with each other now.
“I’ve no preference because we have so many good players in each position that we can deal with injuries here and there.
“Cam’s a massive player for us, but I keep saying that strength and depth is massive. There is real competition for places.
“No one’s place is secure in the team at the moment because of how good the next player is to come in.
“Even when we rotate I don’t think it weakens us. It’s just a really good place to be.”
Auston Trusty’s St Johnstone stats back up Celtic praise
Playing the full 90 minutes in Perth, Scales was completely correct about Trusty’s performance for Celtic. He was solid.
Rated 7.9 by Fotmob, Trusty did a fine job stepping in for Carter-Vickers winning 100% of his tackles, making five defensive actions and seven ball recoveries.
Trusty also won five out of eight duels, made one clearance and one interception.
With 116 touches of the ball, the American made 107 passes with 95% of those finding a Celtic teammate. Trusty also helped Celtic’s attacking cause with 17 of those passes being made in St Johnstone’s final third and 100% of his long balls also finding their target.
Trusty also had two shots on goal, created one chance and had six touches in St Johnstone’s penalty box as he made his presence felt not only in the Celtic defence, but also in the attacking final third.
Like Scales said, it was an accomplished performance and a massive confidence-booster for Trusty who will start Celtic’s next Champions League fixture Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night.
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