Neil Lennon has never been one to shy away from calling things as he sees them, and his latest comments about Auston Trusty’s recent performances will certainly spark debate among the Celtic support.

The former Hoops boss has raised concerns over Trusty’s long-term future at the club, questioning whether the American defender is truly cut out to be a regular starter in Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Trusty came back into the starting XI for Celtic’s 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone this afternoon, replacing Maik Nawrocki—a decision that has raised eyebrows given Nawrocki’s solid displays in recent games.

The Polish defender looked assured against both Rangers and Hearts, doing little to suggest he should be dropped. But Rodgers opted to start Trusty, and it didn’t pay off, with the defence looking shaky throughout a frustrating afternoon in Perth.

Lennon, reflected on Trusty’s mixed form since the Premier Sports Cup final in December. While the former Arsenal man has put in some impressive performances, particularly in Europe, Lennon believes his domestic performances haven’t been convincing enough to cement a regular starting spot.

Lennon said: (Sky Sports),”Trusty has done really well in Europe but domestically there are some games where you are questioning him as well.

“I know Brendan Rodgers has spoken about having that left footer on the left hand side but there was so many.”

Lennon’s point about Rodgers’ preference for a natural left-footer is a valid one—Trusty does bring balance in that way —but it can’t come at the cost of defensive stability.

Having paid a reported £6 million in the summer, Trusty has yet to reach the heights he showed in the Champions League consistently, and Rodgers may look to address this in the summer, having hinted at a serious rebuild.

For Trusty, he will need to find his form soon, with Liam Scales in contention to start against Kilmarnock. Trusty will have both Scales and Nawrocki putting pressure on him for a starting spot alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers.