Auston Trusty and Alex Valle got a chance to sample Celtic action yesterday as starters against Falkirk in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final.
In a game where the visitors more than matched the hosts for large spells of the first 70 minutes, Brendan Rodgers had to rely on the cavalry to turn around a 2-1 deficit to record an impressive 5-2 scoreline at full-time.
Admittedly, Celtic have been better over the piece this season, but eight changes to a starting line-up was always going to be an adjustment.
Within that, Barcelona loanee Valle came in at left-back and claimed an assist deputising for Greg Taylor, albeit his overall performance was a mixed bag before being replaced by his counterpart on the hour mark.
United States international Trusty featured for the 90 minutes, earning valuable sharpness as the latest addition to the Celtic rearguard. Following his brief appearance against Slovan Bratislava, the former Sheffield United man is slowly bedding in.
Rodgers believes both players will benefit from their opening match, and Simon Donnelly is of the opinion that there is a positive outlook to be had after their first introduction.
The positive Celtic outlook after cup triumph
Having witnessed both players in action from the start, Donnelly was quick to point out that both players’ time on the pitch yesterday only amplified how strong the Celtic squad is in its current form.
He said [Scottish Football Podcast]: “I think these guys have not had a lot of game time. Trusty came off the bench in the Champions League game the other night, that was his first look at it. Liam Scales has played really well in that position, as has Greg Taylor at left-back.
“With Valle coming in today. I think it would probably just emphasise at the moment where Celtic are, which is a good place. I think the guys who have got the jersey will keep the jersey at the moment.
“Albeit he’s making changes today, it was still the quarter-final of the cup. But I think he took the opportunity to rest a couple with knocks and try and blood a few boys, but I think they’ll need a wee bit more game time.
“I don’t think anybody who came in and hadn’t started will push for the next game. I think it will be back to normal service at St. Johnstone next week.”
Celtic will return to a more familiar line-up vs St Johnstone
Donnelly has hit the nail on the head with his verdict, and it is likely Celtic will return close to something resembling full strength when they travel to St Johnstone this weekend.
No matter the course of public opinion on the two new signing and their displays against Falkirk, it can only be a good thing for them to get match practice under their belt.
Valle and Trusty will both be valuable assets for Celtic. With a long season ahead, both will be called upon to contribute.
Hopefully, minutes in their legs can help speed up their on-field sharpness. As fans, it is easy to forget that settling into a new environment takes time.
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