Brendan Rodgers explained why he decided to start Auston Trusty over Maik Nawrocki in the 1-0 defeat at St Johnstone, despite Nawrocki impressing in his two starts during Trusty’s absence from the starting XI.
He was brought back in for a tough trip to Perth, a decision that Rodgers may not be looking back on with regret. However, ahead of the game, he spoke strongly in Trusty’s favour.
Rodgers said: (Sky Sports), “I think over a period of time Auston [Trusty] has done well.
“He obviously wasn’t fit enough to play in the second game against Hearts.
“I think it’s a big credit to Maik [Nawrocki] because he hadn’t played in a long time leading into the Rangers game, so it shows you his professionalism that he came into that game and against Hearts, he didn’t put a foot wrong.
“But I prefer to have a left-sided player on that side of the pitch.”
It’s a reasoning that many had believed was behind Rodgers’ decision not to play Nawrocki. However, given the result yesterday, it didn’t benefit Celtic in any way, with Trusty conceding a goal just four minutes into the game.
It showed that the US defender does not immediately take Celtic up a gear. Instead, there are questions over whether he is a major upgrade on Nawrocki, who, as Rodgers highlighted, has impressed anytime he’s played.
Trusty has had some impressive performances, like his standout display against Atalanta in Bergamo. However, for every Atalanta, there is a Dundee at Dens Park. Trusty has failed to match the high standards he has set for himself, with Neil Lennon questioning his long-term future at the club after the defeat.
Given being dropped again yesterday, it appears that Nawrocki may be set to leave in the summer. Simply put, he is too good to be sitting on the bench week in, week out, and at 24, he will have greater ambitions to play consistently. With Rodgers sending the message that he won’t start every week, it may speed up a potential exit.
