Auston Trusty praised Celtic’s resilience after the Hoops came through a demanding European test away to Bologna, insisting the performance highlighted the squad’s renewed spirit following a challenging period under Wilfried Nancy…
“It shows the mentality of the team”
Auston Trusty reflects on Celtic’s 2-2 draw with Bologna…
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/IFqsVcPzqS
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 22, 2026
Martin O’Neill’s side looked in control after opening up a two-goal cushion at half-time, but the balance of the match shifted when Reo Hatate was sent off before the interval, allowing the Italian outfit to claw their way back with two goals of their own in the second half.
Despite surrendering the advantage, Trusty felt the display at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara offered plenty of encouragement, pointing to the team’s discipline and togetherness as key positives to carry forward ahead of next week’s must-win game against FC Utrecht at Celtic Park.
Speaking via TNT Sports, Trusty said: “Amazing – Going down to ten men and having a lot of the game to play is a tough ask, but the team shows the true mentality that we never give up. Unfortunately, we did not get three points, but a point on the road is also good.”
[Tonight is] not a turning point – I would say it is something to build on. We have had a strange period, and things have not necessarily gone our way, but it shows the true character of the team.”
Trusty added: “We have a great captain, Callum, who is leading us, and this organisation is all about winning and putting good performances out there. Unfortunately, we tied today, but that is the mindset.”
“We have to keep the momentum going and continue to play our game. I think we lost our way a little bit in the middle of the season, but now we are finding a way back, and that is what you want to see.”
🎥 WATCH: “Trusty was magnificent… I couldn’t give him any higher praise”.
🍀 Martin O’Neill is full of praise for Auston Trusty’s display in Celtic’s 2-2 draw away to Bologna ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/EynEjjbrT1
— Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (@ClydeSSB) January 22, 2026
Auston Trusty quite literally put it all on the line tonight
1 goal. 2 tackles. 3 blocks. 3 interceptions. EIGHTEEN (18) Clearances. And a baw right to the chuckies
Fair play big stuff 😂😂
— C (@_CM_67_) January 22, 2026
A message from Auston 💚#BolognaCeltic | #UEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/mdvlWtuWfW
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 22, 2026
Auston Trusty 🆚 Bologna:
👋 18 clearances (6 more than the next player)
🦶 12 passes
✈️ 6/7 aerial duels won (team high)
🔒 3 interceptions (team high)
⛔️ 3 blocks (joint team high)
💥 2 tackles
🥅 1 goalHard to believe this man was frozen out at the start of the season 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/UIdLB9hwCU
— Hamill (@CPHamill) January 22, 2026
Celtic will quickly turn their focus back to domestic action with a Scottish Premiership meeting against Hearts this Sunday, though the physical and mental demands of last night’s outing are expected to leave a mark on the squad.
Prolonged spells played with a numerical disadvantage could work against the side, but they should be ready for such an important game this weekend.
Conor Spence
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Admittedly I have questioned the mentality of our team, on many occasions so far this season?
Could even question that with Hatate involvement in getting himself sent off also?
Was more surprised than anything, in Hatate of all people, letting his teammates down so badly?
As to why, and in such a manner? Hardly makes it any easier for MoN to be able to trust him any longer, especially as Hatate is no stranger to big European games for ourselves?
Still can’t rule out, whether an act of such indiscipline, was committed in order to try and force a move out of our club?
Regardless, the response was fabulous, especially when a backs to the wall, performance was required from there on in?
Usually we aren’t the best team without the football, so last night having to play so much of the game without it, is hardly something we are use to as a team.
Seeing a return to a team showing a far stronger level of organisation with a far better mentality involved, was a very welcome sight on show for ourselves.
Wasn’t perfect by any means, but a massive step forward for ourselves all the same imo