Celtic are believed to have shelled out a transfer fee in the region of £6 million to sign Auston Trusty from Sheffield United in the summer. The American international made a shaky start to life at Parkhead but has come into his own lately. He looks much more assured when playing alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers and that appears to be the starting centre-back duo in the eyes of Brendan Rodgers right now.
Of course, a lot of players struggle to make the adjustment to life at Celtic and the pressures that come with it. Trusty did have some experience of top clubs already though, as he was at Arsenal at one point in time.
Admittedly, Trusty made no appearances for Arsenal but just being in that environment has to be a bonus. Also, he played at the Premier League level for Sheffield United.
Now, Trusty is playing Champions League football and that should help him grow further. Let's see how he develops over the coming months and years.
Celtic summer signing Auston Trusty makes Arsenal claim
While talking to GOAL, Trusty was asked about his experience at Celtic so far and he said:
"It's a whole different realm, and the closest thing I can compare it to is Arsenal, but think about Arsenal. We're in London, so there are so many different teams. In Glasgow, it's a big city, not as big as London, but it's a big city. There are only two teams, so there's a good chance that they hate you or a good chance that they love you.
The welcome was amazing. Everyone there is super, super passionate, and I think they could see from the start the value that I could bring to the team, so I think that they were excited as well. I try to play every game and be that person for this team, for Celtic and for fans look up to me and to support me, and little kids who aspire to be professional athlete to look up to me. I think the fans can see that hopefully and respect that.
They've got behind me, so it's been really, really nice. Here and Birmingham City have been the best in terms of getting behind me to make me feel at home."
Trusty is quickly establishing himself as a key player for Celtic. Of course, a lot of fans were left worried after watching his first few displays but he is now proving the doubters wrong.
Admittedly, he looks much more comfortable as the left centre-back. And hopefully, that is the role he gets to play regularly, with Carter-Vickers alongside him.
On the other hand, one has to wonder what the rise of Trusty means for the future of Liam Scales. Despite his solid performances, the Irish international now finds himself sitting on the bench. Could that result in him pushing for a move away from Parkhead in the future?