Why Auston Trusty views himself as a veteran

Despite having such a low number of caps, Trusty has played in the English Premier League and represented Celtic in the Champions League and Europa League, so you could say he is something of a veteran, at club level anyhow. He also played – and scored for the USA in the recent World Cup on home soil.

The 28 year old defender is set to play for the USA in their four friendly matches against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada, all on home turf, and explained why he feels like a veteran in the USA squad.

Trusty is part of a youthful squad selected by USA coach Mauricio Pochettino which includes six teenagers. Among these is 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan.

Celtic star Trusty explained, as reported by Glasgow Times: “It’s for the more veteran, more established players like me to lead the young guys and guys who could possibly get their first caps, to make sure they know what this team’s about.”

Trusty is still trying to get over the disappointment of the home defeat by the Rangers, a game in which he took part in, unlike the club’s previous two losses to Ferencvaros, and the Ibrox defeat to Celtic’s bitter rivals, but emphasises the significance of representing the USA.

“When you wear this crest, you’re not just representing yourself,” he said. “You’re representing your teammates, your coaches, but everyone that’s ever believed in you, and an entire nation that’s behind you.”

Trusty shared his admiration for young Sullivan, saying: “I had lunch with Cavan Sullivan and he has impressed me. You see him off the pitch, see how he approaches a game, how he starts a game, how he approaches his transactions with teammates and coaches and the game itself with his own play.”

Trusty appreciates confidence in players, saying: “So if someone’s feeling good about themselves and is confident in their ability and backs themselves, all power to him.”