Auston Trusty has posted on social media following the weekend’s pre-season game, where Celtic suffered a 3-2 defeat to Estrela da Amadora in Portugal.
The American centre-back featured in the behind-closed-doors fixture on Saturday, as Brendan Rodgers began to ramp up preparations for the 2025/26 campaign. Trusty later took to Instagram on Sunday evening with a short message: “Good to be back.”
It’s a simple line, but one that suggests the 25-year-old knows this could be a pivotal season in his Celtic career.
Good to be back & build towards a new season! #CelticFC 🍀 pic.twitter.com/wldJod59ri
— Auston Trusty (@Auston_Trusty) July 13, 2025
Signed last summer for £6 million from Sheffield United, Trusty arrived with expectations. The club had fought off English interest to bring him to Glasgow on a long-term deal, and he was almost immediately thrust into the heart of the defence.
However, his debut season in Scotland – the 2024/25 double-winning campaign – was far from straightforward. While Trusty played his part, he was never fully able to cement a first-choice role, with Brendan Rodgers frequently rotating between him and Liam Scales. It was a partnership that never truly settled, and fans were often left uncertain about who their most reliable defensive duo actually were.
Trusty’s only appearance in a Glasgow Derby came in the League Cup Final – a dramatic game that Celtic eventually won on penalties. But Trusty didn’t see the full 90, pulled at half-time in a move that raised eyebrows.
That moment, combined with some inconsistent showings, means the jury remains out for many supporters. There’s no denying his physical presence and athleticism, but questions linger over his positional sense and ability to lead from the back in high-pressure matches.
Heading into 2025/26, Trusty needs a statement season. With the potential of Champions League football and Rodgers expected to be more ruthless in selection, he’ll have to show more consistency and composure if he’s to live up to his hefty transfer fee.
For now, the message is clear – he’s fit, focused, and ready to go again. Whether he can finally win the trust of the Celtic support remains to be seen.
