Auston Trusty has opened up on why he chose Celtic, and the thinking behind a move that has reshaped his career.
The defender arrived from Sheffield United in August 2024 in a £6 million deal, signing a five-year contract that runs until 2029.
He has settled quickly in Glasgow. When backs have been against the wall, Trusty has been there.
Now 27, he is on the brink of a first World Cup with the United States, and he has made it clear the move to Celtic was not by chance.
“It would mean everything to me [to play at a World Cup].
“I know sometimes people think it’s not as calculated, but as a player, you really have to think about this stuff and put yourself in the best position to then go ahead and achieve your goals.
“That’s why coming to Celtic was really the best decision ever for me.
“Every decision I’ve ever made in my career has been to put myself in a position to be in the World Cup.
“So when I had the chance to come here, that’s why I took full advantage of it, because the eyes I get here, and the player I can become being a Celtic player, the mindset, the trophies, just being a Celtic player in general… it can really propel you into the next situation.
“So that was the real mindset of me coming here, to give myself the best opportunity to play in the national team.” (TCW)
There is no dressing it up. Trusty saw Celtic as a platform. Before the move, he had gone more than a year without a cap for the USA.
Since arriving, four of his six international appearances have followed.
Brendan Rodgers trusted him when he arrived two years ago, and now he has cemented his place in the team under Martin O’Neill.
There have been shaky moments at times, but overall he has grown into the role. He looks more comfortable, more assured, and more aware of what is required at this level.
Celtic benefit from that, and so does the player.
There is still work to be done this season. The Hoops sit three points off top spot with four games left, and there is no margin for error.
Trusty will be central to whatever happens next.
A Scottish Cup final against Dundermline also waits on 23 May.
That stage will test him again, then, attention shifts to the summer. Trusty’s World Cup dreams will soon become a reality.
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