Then Ibrox boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst tried to tempt the US international to Govan back in 2022
06:00, 16 Mar 2025
Celtic defender Auston Trusty
Celtic defender Auston Trusty
Auston Trusty was tucked up in bed preparing for a Champions League clash when his beloved Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl.
And the Celtic ace is certainly not going to lose any sleep over the fact he could have been part of NFL rivals San Francisco 49ers’ grand vision for Rangers.
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Trusty is a huge gridiron fan and it was a buzz to see his hometown team crowned champs when they triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs in January.
The NFL is coming to Scotland with the Californian big guns providing the big- money clout behind the proposed takeover at Ibrox.
There’s no love lost between the Eagles and 49ers, having clashed in the NFL play-offs in recent years.
And it will add another layer of spice to the Old Firm derby for the defender as he revealed he could have signed for Rangers not so long ago.
Then Ibrox boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst tried to tempt the US international to Govan back in 2022, when Trusty was on the books of Arsenal and starring on loan for Birmingham City.
The clubs held talks but in the end the centre-back headed to Premier League Sheffield United and his path eventually led to Parkhead last summer. Trusty is more than happy with his call and he’s strictly in the Eagles and Celtic camp against the 49ers and Gers.
Asked if there was an NFL rivalry, he joked: “Yeah, maybe a little! The Eagles’ big rivals are the Dallas Cowboys but we’ve faced the 49ers a couple of times fairly recently.
“The most important thing is we’re the top dogs! That’s all that matters. It was amazing to see the Eagles win the Super Bowl.”
Trusty is gearing up to face Rangers today – when he could have been playing with them. The 26-year-old said: “I do remember [the Rangers move]. At the time I was one of the best centre-backs in the Championship after a really good year at Birmingham.
“I had a lot of options thankfully and it was a really blessed position to be in. Rangers were interested and there were talks. But I wasn’t really engaged with that process and there were other teams interested as well.
“I am really happy with the way it worked out for me on this side of Glasgow and this team. It all worked out in my favour.”
Giovanni van Bronckhorst wanted Trusty at Rangers
Giovanni van Bronckhorst wanted Trusty at Rangers
It didn’t work out so well for Trusty and Celtic the last time these rivals collided. The big defender missed out on the 3-0 defeat at Ibrox after being sunk by illness over Christmas and the Hoops were left sick after a rare afternoon looking under the weather. The Premiership leaders are out to make amends today.
Trusty said: “I wasn’t feeling the best. I got the winter bug that was flying around and it got me pretty bad.
“There were quite a few guys who had it back then and that’s not easy, I wouldn’t have wished it on anyone else!
“In terms of the team, it wasn’t our day. But we moved past it and had some good performances afterwards. But that just wasn’t our day. This is a whole new day.
“We’ve only lost a few times this season and we have the mentality to make sure it never happens again. That goes for Rangers or anyone. There is huge motivation.”
Trusty hasn’t had much Old Firm luck, to be fair. Even in the Premier Sports Cup Final penalty shootout win, he was taken off at half-time.
The American isn’t a man to dwell on the past though, as he knows there is always the next chance to make a name for yourself in this showdown. He said: “What is meant to be, is meant to be.
“I’ll have my opportunities, I’m sure, and if it comes this weekend then hopefully I will take advantage. The games have gone the way they have but here we are now for this one. I just hope I get the opportunity to be there for the team then go from there.”
Celtic practically have the Premiership title in the bag but there will be no let up today. And Trusty has added incentive after receiving an international call up, along with his Hoops pal Cameron Carter-Vickers.
The prospect of being involved with the USA in a World Cup on home soil next summer is going to be a driving force behind Celtic’s trophy push in Scotland.
Trusty said: “It’s really pleasing. Both CCV and I are really happy. All eyes are on the World Cup and that is a goal for myself and for Cam. For me to be part of it would mean absolutely everything.
“It’s all a trickle-down effect from your club performances, your daily habits and what you do day in, day out that leads to these opportunities.
“I believe you create your own luck too. Performing here, being in the right environment, a thriving environment, will lead to success in the future.”
It’s immediate joy Trusty wants today though – and he sees a dressing room of winners determined to make their mark in the fixture. Returning hero Jota has already made a huge impression in the derby and aims to pick up where he left off.
Trusty said: “The first thing for me is Jota is a great guy, really approachable and likeable. As a player he’s fantastic. He has been great for us since coming back.
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“He obviously has experience at the club and in big matches such as this fixture. It was before my time but I know he’s such an important player.”