Cup Final defeat ‘left a sour taste in the mouths’ admits Celtic star

However, the Celtic defender is confident the team has the hunger and resilience to chase another clean sweep following the heartbreak of the Scottish Cup defeat against Aberdeen.

Brendan Rodgers’ side cruised to the Premiership title after having already secured the Premier Sports Cup earlier in the season.

The Treble was within reach as they faced an Aberdeen team that Celtic had dominated throughout the entire season. However, in May the Dons defied expectations, upsetting the Hoops and leaving Rodgers’ men heading into the summer on a slight downer.

Trusty conceded it was not the ending to the season they had hoped for – but said it has only fuelled the squad’s determination for another push this season. The American international and his teammates are preparing for the league campaign kicking off this Sunday afternoon against St Mirren at Celtic Park.

Speaking via Daily Record, Trusty said: “It’s an interesting one. You have such a good season, get so many points to win the league by a distance, yet somehow end on a sour note.”

“That’s the level and what this environment is about. You can have an amazing season but if you have the team to win a Treble and don’t do it, it does leave a sour taste in the mouths. It makes us strive for more.”

“It obviously sucks not to have won it”

Trusty added: “I try to think about the positive side. At least for that to happen, we have the hunger in our stomachs to really go for the Treble. It obviously sucks not to have won it. But if we can do the same thing and more this season then we’ll be in good hands.”

As well as preparing for the start of Celtic’s title defence, he is also fully aware that another major showdown is looming on the horizon. Celtic must navigate a Champions League play-off to secure a spot in the group stage this season. It would also be the fourth consecutive season in a row the Hoops will have made Europe’s elite club competition.

Rodgers’ side will be part of Monday’s draw, where potential challengers include tough teams such as Basel, Sturm Graz, Slovan Bratislava, and several other decent European opponents.

The 26 year-old insists he enjoyed every second of the Champions League last season and is desperate to make it to Europe’s top table once again.

“Every moment you get to play in the Champions League is a dream come true”

Trusty said: “I loved every second. Every moment you get to play in the Champions League is a dream come true. I loved it. You are playing against the best players in the world – that’s where I shine as well.”

“I think as a player those games should bring the best out of you. You want to be at your best against the best players and teams in the world. I think Atalanta really got me off the books, got me off the mark. I just continued from there.”

“I think performances like that can give players and the team a lot of confidence. We can be aggressive offensively if the guys know the defence rocks behind them. If you don’t have that you tend to end up being a little too careful and slow in attack. We want to allow them to really go for it and have us in behind.”

Conor Spence

INTRODUCING CELTIC IN THE EIGHTIES BY DAVID POTTER

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter will be published on Celtic Star Books on 5 September 2025 and we will have a limited number of copies signed by Danny McGrain for our pre-ordered copies

The link to pre-order your copy of Celtic in the Eighties, signed by the legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain is below. Danny will sign a limited number of copies and these are selling fast so order your copy today. Danny has also written the foreword for the book which would have delighted David Potter! 

Celtic in the Eighties is a fitting way for the late great David Potter to sign off as one of Celtic’s foremost historians. We think you’ll love it, especially if you were watching Celtic in the 1980s..never a dull moment!