Celtic supporters were given an early fright overnight as Auston Trusty was stretchered off during the United States’ World Cup defeat to Turkey.
The defender had enjoyed a dream start to the match.
Handed a place in the starting XI after beginning the tournament on the bench and making a substitute appearance in the previous game, Trusty made an immediate impact.
Just three minutes into the contest, the Celtic defender controlled a deep corner at the back post before firing home to score his first World Cup goal.
It was also the first goal scored by a Celtic defender at this summer’s tournament, after Daizen Maeda netted an hour before.
However, what began as a memorable evening quickly turned into a worrying one.
Trusty appeared to roll his ankle during the second half and was eventually stretchered from the field in visible discomfort.
With Celtic due to begin pre-season TODAY and a crucial Champions League play-off looming later this summer, the sight immediately raised concerns over his fitness.
Fortunately, the defender has moved quickly to calm those fears.
Speaking to FOX Sports after the match, Trusty admitted the injury was painful but insisted he expects to be available for the United States’ Round of 32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina next Thursday.
He said:
“I don’t know. I can’t really react to it.
“Honestly, I am in my head right now, I rolled my ankle pretty bad.
“How am I feeling?
“I’ll be all right.
“Honestly, I don’t know.
“I heard a little something, but I’ll be fine.
“No worries.”
That will come as welcome news for Martin O’Neill.
Trusty is expected to play a key role in Celtic’s defence this season, particularly with Champions League qualification once again on the line.
While further assessment will no doubt take place over the coming days, the initial signs are encouraging.
The USA may have lost the match 3-2, but they still progressed to the knockout stages as group winners.
And if Trusty’s own assessment proves accurate, both he and Celtic will have avoided what could have been a significant setback.
