Celtic defender Auston Trusty has expressed confidence in his defensive qualities as he works towards full fitness following his injury…
The American central defender has made just four appearances this season after suffering a plantar fascia injury in August.
Signed for £6 million from English Championship side Sheffield United last summer, the 27 year-old has since seen Liam Scales take his spot in the starting eleven, partnering with Cameron Carter-Vickers when both are fit.
During a recent appearance on The Rondo podcast, Trusty spoke up for his performances at Celtic, saying he’s proven he can compete at a high level, especially in European matches.
“I’m performing at an extremely high level,” he said. “Look at all my stats, look at all of the people I’m defending in the Champions League and now, the Europa League.”
The former Arsenal and Birmingham City defender has earned four caps for the United States since making his debut in 2023, but has been selected just once under current coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Trusty remains determined to be part of the USA squad for the nation’s first home World Cup in over three decades. “I will do anything possible to be on that team and be a player of that magnitude and be the guy for the US,” he added.
“I know I can do it. I’ve shown it. And it’s just about getting opportunities. When I get the opportunity, I thrive in it. When I get the opportunity, it’s game over.”
“When you get the opportunity to get called up, it’s about performing… Anyone competing for such a historic tournament, playing in the World Cup in the US, that’s a prized possession of any American. So, we’re all coming with that mindset.”
Given that it is a World Cup year, there is that added motivation for players to perform week in week out. Trusty is in that position where he is battling it out for a spot in the team consistently alongside his compatriot Carter-Vickers.
Let’s hope that when he returns to Brendan Rodgers’ starting eleven, he can replicate similar form to his Champions League performances last season which were exceptional – especially against Atalanta, RB Leipzig and Bayern in the Allianz Arena.
Conor Spence
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