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Celtic taking a big risk by using Auston Trusty in problem position vs Motherwell
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- Celtic taking a big risk by using Auston Trusty in problem position vs Motherwell
Auston Trusty has shown that he is not the answer to Celtic's left-back woes after a disappointing display for the USA against Canada.
Martin O'Neill has faced several injury dilemmas as Celtic boss already this season as they aim to repeat their Premiership success.
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Left-back has been a problem position for the 74-year-old, with Kieran Tierney struggling for fitness and Landon Emenalo still sidelined following a move from Chelsea.
Liam Scales has been utilised on the left side of the Hoops' back four, with the club believed to be eyeing a new signing ahead of the January window.
Trusty has been touted as a potential solution after playing at left-back for the USA at the World Cup, but his latest performance shows why that should not be the case.
The Celtic defender struggled for his country against Canada on Tuesday night and has since been criticised by several national media outlets.
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Auston Trusty failed in left-back role for USA vs Canada
Trusty has been forced to compete for his place in Mauricio Pochettino's side, impressing at centre-back in previous wins over Mexico and Peru.
He has not started as a left-back for Celtic since joining in 2024, but was trusted there by Pochettino during the World Cup against Australia and Turkiye.
If O'Neill was eyeing him as a possible solution to his left-back issues after his foray there in this international break, he should clearly reconsider.
Trusty lost four of his five attempted ground duels, committed two fouls and failed to make a successful tackle in 74 minutes on the pitch against Canada.
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He was dribbled past once, while failing to do much in the final third as he did not create a chance, complete a dribble or have a shot on goal.
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Tierney is set to return to contention as Celtic face Motherwell this Sunday, which will be a huge relief to O'Neill.
Trusty's chances of game time in the position should be near zero, even though the Scot is regularly injured and Scales also prefers playing at centre-back.
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Reviewing the 28-year-old against Canada, USA Today wrote: "It was interesting to see Trusty deployed as a traditional left back in the first half. He looked awkward at times, especially going forward. He looked much more comfortable when the U.S. switched to a three-back."
Forza Football said he "performed better at center back than left back this fall," while ESPN wrote: "A solid overall performance, but struggled with a few of his duels. Trusty also labored following a heavy aerial collision with Jonathan David in the second half that impacted his final minutes."
