Celtic defender Auston Trusty smiling upon return to UMSNT training following loss of his father

Celtic defender Auston Trusty has returned to training with USMNT after a difficult time off the pitch. The centre-back lost his father following a battle with illness a couple of weeks ago and was given time off by Celtic to deal with the loss.

He then returned to training briefly before being given more leave to attend the celebration of his father's life back in the US, and he has not featured since learning the news.

While that has drawn misplaced criticism from one former Celtic star, Trusty cannot be begrudged for taking the time he needs to process the loss. Not only that, but the last thing Celtic want is a centre-back on the pitch whose mind is understandably elsewhere.

Martin O'Neill recently opened up on the situation and said the 28-year-old had been struggling with the loss and that he, O'Neill, was happy to give him all the time off he wanted.

After all, some things are bigger than football, and while they may be paid well, football is still a job for these players. You or I wouldn't be expecting to be asked to turn up to work in such a situation, and it's no different for players.

The good news is that Trusty has been pictured smiling upon turning up for his first training session for USMNT during the international window, when Mauricio Pochettino's men will take on Uruguay and Paraguay in friendly fixtures.

In an image, Trusty is being embraced by a teammate, who more than likely knows what the defender has been going through. It will, no doubt, remain a difficult time for Trusty, but it's good to see him back amongst it, back smiling and on course to return for Celtic on the other side of the break.

It's also nice that his first game back will be for his nation, something his father will undoubtedly have been proud of every time he saw his son in action on home soil.