This week, Celtic got their best result in Europe since their win against FC Barcelona more than a decade back. A brace from Nicolas Kuhn and another goal from Reo Hatate was enough to seal a 3-1 victory against RB Leipzig. Even more important than the result was the manner. It was not a matter of them sitting back and getting goals on the counter. The Hoops were the much better team and outplayed the Bundesliga contenders.
The coaching staff and players deserve a ton of confidence. In fact, one even played through an injury he picked up early in the game.
Auston Trusty managed to roll his ankle on the night. But he decided to play through it, putting in an impressive overall display.
The American decided to credit the atmosphere and the occasion for helping him get through it. As reported by the Daily Record, Trusty said about the matter:
"I rolled my ankle pretty bad and it was hurting for the rest of the game. How did I get through it? Just the atmosphere. You play for these nights - you live for them. I was a little kid in my bedroom dreaming of playing on that field, in that environment. So I wasn’t going to let a little ankle sprain bring me down.
“The whole night was amazing. When I came here, I had heard all the stories. I made my debut in the Champions League (against Slovan Bratislava) but it was only for a small amount of minutes.
"To start the game on Tuesday night and just be in there, in that mindset, was a dream come true for me. It was just incredible. The games come so quick and fast here. That’s hard but it’s also a blessing. I have such big, important games to play for a historic club. And in every game, you just want to give your all and give your best."
Celtic player admits he played with injury vs RB Leipzig
That would explain why Trusty missed training recently. It remains to be seen whether he will feature in the Premiership game this weekend or whether Brendan Rodgers decides to go the safer route and play Liam Scales, an incredible cover option to have for sure.
Trusty had received plenty of criticism for his early performances for Celtic. But he managed to keep a clean sheet against Atalanta away in Bergamo and that seems to have given him a world of confidence.
Also, he has looked much more comfortable playing alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers. After all, this was the role that he was brought in to play.
Overall, Celtic now have three brilliant options at centre-back. That has not been the case for a long time. Now, it is important that Rodgers manages their minutes properly and keeps all of them happy.