Time to Trust in Trusty – Auston’s the man to partner CCV this season

Brendan Rodgers has a big choice to make ahead of the season’s opener next Sunday against St Mirren and that is who partners Cameron Carter-Vickers at the centre of defence.

To many Liam Scales seems to be Brendan’s preferred option, but for me the man who should partner our Big Strong Man at the heart of the Celtic defence is his fellow USA international Auston Trusty.

Unlike many of my fellow supporters I don’t think Liam Scales is a bad player and is much more competent than some would have you believe. But I believe that Trusty is the man who warrants his place in the side just that bit more after being Celtic’s most impressive central defender over the pre-season matches.

Auston is strong, athletic, commanding and had a decent debut season at the club particularly in Europe, but maybe found the rough and tumble of the Scottish game a bit too much at times.

However, Auston has had a good pre-season under his belt as well as a year’s experience of our game and will be all the better for it. Last night’s opponents Al – Ahli proved to be no shrinking violets as they looked to kick everything in their way, and big Auston stood up to that superbly as put in a competent and assured display, rounding it off by scoring the Celtic equaliser.

For me Auston’s the man who’s not only earned the right, but deserves to partner CCV on a permanent basis.

Whether Carter-Vickers is ready for the weekend remains to be seen as he is clearly further behind in his preparation that most of his teammates due to his recovery from his operation at the end of the season.  We might see Scales and Trusty linking up this weekend but make no mistake CCV plays as soon as he’s ready. It’s a competition to see who is his partner and for me it has to be Auston Trusty.