Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed the thinking behind his decision to go with Auston Trusty over Liam Scales at centre-back.

Interestingly, the Irishman pointed out Liam Scales’ error last time out against Aberdeen at Celtic Park a fortnight ago, which led to the Dons’ opening goal.

With Sokler coming on at half-time, he changed the game in the Dons’ favour, Scales failed to match Sokler’s run in behind from a Jamie McGrath through ball.

The Irishman’s lack of pace and inability to read the situation was clear to see, resulting in the Slovenian striker one versus one against Kasper Schmeichel.

Rodgers said: (Premier Sports), “It’s very tough because Liam has been absolutely brilliant for me since he’s gotten into the team, but we always try to look at each game, and I felt that with the striker that we think Aberdeen are going to play, he (Ester Sokler) makes lots of runs in behind.

“So just adding that extra bit of pace into the backline, Auston’s physicality is very, very good, and like I said, that was the reason for that.”

Rodgers’ comments highlight his ruthlessness, a trait needed in top-level football.

For all his great work over the last year, Scales was caught wanting against Aberdeen last time out, and the Irishman was unwilling to take the same risk against Jimmy Thelin’s side again.

Ultimately, it was a decision that paid off, and given Rodgers great experience as a coach, he is able to do this while simultaneously pushing Scales to improve.

For Trusty, this is certainly an endorsement of the belief that Rodgers has in the American, with his form over the last month being a real standout in a position often taken for granted.