Celtic’s defensive solidity strengthened by two key figures

Both Auston Trusty and Alistair Johnston are back in full training, and their availability comes at an ideal time as Brendan Rodgers’ side prepare for a gruelling Thursday–Sunday schedule stretching well into 2026 due to Europa League commitments.

For Johnston, his return is expected to be straightforward. The Canadian international has been a consistent performer under Rodgers and should reclaim his starting berth at right-back, with the only debate surrounding whether Tony Ralston or Colby Donovan acts as his immediate understudy.

For Auston Trusty, however, the challenge is far more complex. Signed from Sheffield United in a £6 million deal,
the USA international was expected to become a key figure in Celtic’s back line. Instead, a mix of inconsistent form last season, and a nagging injury — one that required an extended period of rest — this season, derailed his momentum and opened the door for one of this season’s most remarkable individual stories, the rise of Liam Scales.

When Trusty arrived last summer, it was widely assumed that Scales would serve primarily as a rotational option. Fast-forward to October, and that perception could not be further from reality. If the Player of the Season ballots were cast today, Scales’ name would feature prominently, not just as a contender for a regular starting spot, but potentially as Celtic’s standout performer across the entire squad.

As a pure penalty-box defender, Scales has been nothing short of exceptional. His positioning, anticipation, and composure have underpinned Celtic’s defensive resilience. Before this campaign, many considered Scales’ superior ability to progress the ball to be his main advantage over Trusty. Now, the gap between the two appears to have widened.

The only area where Trusty might still hold an edge is in his recovery pace, a valuable asset in Rodgers’ high defensive line when facing teams that thrive on quick counter-attacks. Yet beyond that, Scales has arguably surpassed his American teammate in almost every department, technically, tactically, and mentally.

It’s a remarkable turnaround for a player who, when Rodgers returned to Celtic, looked more likely to complete a permanent move to Aberdeen, where he had impressed on loan, than to cement himself as a Celtic starter. Instead, Scales having battled with Trusty last season, has become one of the first names on Brendan Rodgers’ team sheet this campaign, a testament to his professionalism, consistency, and willingness to refine the weaker aspects of his game.

For Trusty, the road back into the starting XI now looks steep. Unless injuries or rotation open a window of opportunity, he may find himself on the fringes of the squad. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and regular minutes crucial to his international ambitions, a difficult conversation with Rodgers could await in January if his situation doesn’t change.

Trusty is unlikely to back down easily, he looked impressive in pre-season and he will back himself to reclaim his place, but right now, Liam Scales has set the standard.

From a player once considered a squad filler to one of Celtic’s most consistent and influential figures, Scales’ rise is not just one of the stories of the season, it’s one that perfectly encapsulates the value of perseverance, adaptability, and belief.

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