BOLOGNA, ITALY - JANUARY 22: (L-R) Sebastian Tounekti, Auston Trusty, Arne Engels, Liam Scales, Daizen Maeda, Kasper Schmeichel, Hyun-Jun Yang, Callum McGregor, Kieran Tierney and Colby Donovan of Celtic FC pose for a team photo prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Bologna FC 1909 and Celtic FC at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on January 22, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Almost unanimously Auston Trusty was the Man of the Match as Celtic earned a 2-2 draw away to Bologna.
He certainly put himself on the line with one second half clearance looking especially painful.
It was almost a case of the Atalanta Rerun from last season as Trusty and Liam Scales held the Serie A side at bay.
CELTIC STAND STRONG
True Celtic did lose two goals this week but in return they scored twice with Trusty one of the scorers.
Domestically Celtic are rarely tested defensively. Against Bologna they were on the back foot but that drew out the best in the team led by some inspiring moments from Trusty.
When Reo Hatate was sent off in the 34th minute things didn’t look great. By half-time Celtic led 2-0 with Trusty converting a corner.
One of my personal favorites nights in a Celtic jersey despite only coming away with a point?
Proud of the team for persevering through a tough away night!
Traveling fans were amazing as always? #CelticFC pic.twitter.com/2QfG2rBg6V
— Auston Trusty (@Auston_Trusty) January 23, 2026
The second half was real backs to the wall stuff in front of the away support.
Players switched into defensive mode. Guarding the penalty box with tenacity, when they were breached Trusty and Scales were there anticipating almost everything.
TNT Sport gave Bologna 85% possession in the second half, they scored twice and were on level terms from the 72nd minute.
It was all set up for a classic hard luck story with Celtic conceding a late late equaliser. But no-one told Trusty.
Martin O’Neill seems to have a special bond, even a trust in Trusty.
Last season there were plenty of snipers happy to announce that the one time Arsenal defender was a £6m flop. They were lying low on Thursday night.
Hearts on Sunday with provide a similar threat to Celtic, one with a domestic edge. Derek McInnes’ side won’t be pleasing on the eye, they will be direct and go for Celtic.
As well as tired legs Celtic returned from Italy with pride and spirit. If they can take full points from Hearts Trusty will have a massive role to play in the run-in to the SPFL Premiership title race.
Just think of how much of an asset and fantastic player Austen Trusty would be if he could play and kick the ball with his right foot ? He would add millions onto his valuation overnight ! If I was in the same position as the big man , I would be doing extra sessions each day on practicing right foot techniques until I was confident and composed at doing my daily job competently.
I have nothing but pride for Austin Trusty, Martin and the team.
They are the heroes.
I have nothing but utter contempt for the board and the Irish landlord. They are sucking this club dry. Nicholson looked even more idiotic than usual when seen wandering through the streets, with his inane smile. Was he drunk? Was he on his own? Was he just there for the jolly? What kind of CEO is that? Dear God, how far has Celtic fallen?
What exactly does he, the Desmonds, or indeed, any of the other parasites on the board, contribute to society? Maybe, Desmond the younger should ask himself that!
Those Bhoys played like a Celtic team to a man the other night. And there was always a player there in Trusty but how could past managers not consistently get the best out of him?!