Celtic hero Auston Trusty praises “mentality of the team” | OneFootball

Auston Trusty praised Celtic’s resilience after the Hoops came through a demanding European test away to Bologna, insisting the performance highlighted the squad’s renewed spirit following a challenging period under Wilfried Nancy…

Martin O’Neill’s side looked in control after opening up a two-goal cushion at half-time, but the balance of the match shifted when Reo Hatate was sent off before the interval, allowing the Italian outfit to claw their way back with two goals of their own in the second half.

Auston Trusty of Celtic FC celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during 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 Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Despite surrendering the advantage, Trusty felt the display at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara offered plenty of encouragement, pointing to the team’s discipline and togetherness as key positives to carry forward ahead of next week’s must-win game against FC Utrecht at Celtic Park.

Speaking via TNT Sports, Trusty said: “Amazing – Going down to ten men and having a lot of the game to play is a tough ask, but the team shows the true mentality that we never give up. Unfortunately, we did not get three points, but a point on the road is also good.”

Auston Trusty of Celtic FC celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during 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 Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

[Tonight is] not a turning point – I would say it is something to build on. We have had a strange period, and things have not necessarily gone our way, but it shows the true character of the team.”

Trusty added: “We have a great captain, Callum, who is leading us, and this organisation is all about winning and putting good performances out there. Unfortunately, we tied today, but that is the mindset.”

“We have to keep the momentum going and continue to play our game. I think we lost our way a little bit in the middle of the season, but now we are finding a way back, and that is what you want to see.”

Celtic will quickly turn their focus back to domestic action with a Scottish Premiership meeting against Hearts this Sunday, though the physical and mental demands of last night’s outing are expected to leave a mark on the squad.

Prolonged spells played with a numerical disadvantage could work against the side, but they should be ready for such an important game this weekend.

Conor Spence

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