Celtic summer signing Auston Trusty started alongside Liam Scales on Sunday as the Bhoys produced some dramatic heroics to see off Ross County in the Scottish Premiership.
Seeing as Cameron Carter-Vickers out injured for Celtic, his United States international counterpart has been tasked with taking on his defensive duties in a right-sided role, which isn’t his favoured position by any means.
Nevertheless, Auston Trusty has now started four games since joining from Sheffield United in the summer, with mixed results against Falkirk, St Johnstone, Borussia Dortmund and the Staggies.
Making his debut in the Bhoys’ thumping Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava last month, there is now a decent sample size to judge the defender on as the international break comes into full view.
After his exploits in Dingwall, there is a reasonable verdict most would agree with on his display at the Global Energy Stadium.
Auston Trusty’s steady Celtic display against Ross County
With Trusty joining Celtic for £6 million, there was always going to be pressure on his shoulders to deliver in green and white.
Considering his performance in Dingwall, it is fair to say he enjoyed a decent afternoon as the Bhoys came out the other side with a precious three points.
Most notably, his passing accuracy stood up to scrutiny despite being on his wrong side. 104 of his 109 balls reached his intended target, equating to a 95% hit rate. 13 made their way into the final third, illustrating an ability to progress possession at pace.
Defensively, his eight duels won accurately reflect his overall outing, in which Trusty stood strong for the entire 90 minutes and claimed an average Fotmob match rating of 7.8/10.
Offering a wish to the two stars, there were one or two instances where his predisposition as a left-footed centre-back did slow Celtic’s ability to attack, which is only natural, seeing as most in that role will intuitively work the ball onto their stronger foot before moving it on.
Either way, Trusty enjoyed a sound afternoon in the Highlands and handled himself well, demonstrating a steely mentality after playing his part in the Bhoys’ downfall against Borussia Dortmund last week, so he deserves a big pat on the back.
Auston Trusty is growing into life as a Celtic player
In the interest of honesty, Trusty hasn’t been handed the most leisurely start to life at Celtic Park and deputising for Cameron Carter-Vickers in an unfamiliar role isn’t an ideal scenario for any new addition.
Regardless, the former Arsenal defender put in arguably his best display in Hoops away to Ross County and appears more than capable of handling the pressure of stepping up no matter where he is asked to play.
Speaking after his side’s 6-0 victory over St Johnstone, Celtic defender Liam Scales eluded to Trusty playing on the right-hand side of the backline and why he has shown admirable adaptability to handle being given the ‘short straw’ as one of two naturally left-sided players asked to move over to fill in.
He stated: “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.”
Although there is still some room for improvement, Trusty has made a commendable start to his Celtic career and it looks like he can be a valuable contributor under Brendan Rodgers.
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