Trusty Tumbles Down Celtic’s Pecking Order as Simpson-Pusey Shakes Up Defensive Hierarchy

Trusty Tumbles Down Celtic’s Pecking Order as Simpson-Pusey Shakes Up Defensive Hierarchy

It’s been a summer of bold moves and louder statements at Celtic, but perhaps none louder than the signing of Manchester City starlet Jahmai Simpson-Pusey. The 19-year-old England youth international arrives on loan to Parkhead with a reputation as a composed, ball-playing centre-back and according to pundits and fans alike, he hasn’t come north to sit on the bench.

That spells trouble for American defender Auston Trusty, who now finds himself at the center of an uncomfortable debate over his role at the club. Despite a hefty £6 million transfer fee from Sheffield United last summer a figure that mirrors the cost Celtic paid for defensive stalwart Cameron Carter-Vickers Trusty is now being tipped as the fourth choice in Brendan Rodgers’ center-back hierarchy.

Bartley’s Bombshell: Trusty Down the Ladder

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, former Hibs midfielder and current Livingston coach Marvin Bartley didn’t sugarcoat his assessment.

“With Trusty being there as well, and now you’ve brought this young man in from Manchester City, you imagine he’s coming up here to play not just to sit around and be third or fourth choice,” said Bartley.

“I think Trusty was £6m, and if we’re going by the weekend, Scales is now ahead of him. He’s now fourth choice centre-half at Celtic.”

That’s a staggering drop for a player once earmarked as a foundational piece for the club’s European ambitions.

A Stacked Deck at the Back

Simpson-Pusey’s arrival adds to an already competitive pool of centre-backs, headlined by Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales who has earned the trust of Rodgers with consistent, no-nonsense performances. While Trusty did show flashes of promise in last season’s Champions League group stage, it was Scales who ended the campaign as the preferred option in domestic fixtures.

Both defenders played the same number of games across the Scottish Premiership and Europe, but Scales managed more goal contributions, edging ahead in the race for Rodgers’ confidence.

Now, Simpson-Pusey has entered the chat reportedly with the blessing of Pep Guardiola himself, who sees the Celtic loan as a major development opportunity for one of City’s top young prospects. That endorsement alone hints that playing time will be prioritized for the teenager.

Simpson-Pusey’s Confidence and Ambition

The English defender has made his ambitions clear: win the Scottish Premiership and leave a mark in Europe. His technical ability, positional IQ, and modern approach to defending align perfectly with what Rodgers values in a backline leader. If he can deliver early, there may be no way back for Trusty.

And that’s where the pressure begins to mount.

Make-or-Break Season for Trusty

For Auston Trusty, the writing may not be on the wall just yet but the pen is certainly in hand. With the club fighting on multiple fronts Premiership, Scottish Cup, League Cup, and Europe minutes will be available. But that doesn’t guarantee prominence.

To win back his place, Trusty will need more than just match fitness. He’ll need statement performances, the kind that justify his fee and demand inclusion. Anything less, and he risks becoming a very expensive rotational option at a club that doesn’t have time to wait.

Rodgers’ Dilemma or Luxury?

With four capable centre-backs at his disposal, Brendan Rodgers has a tactical headache most managers would envy. But for the players, it’s war. Every mistake will be scrutinized, every substitution questioned, every lineup a declaration of who’s in favor and who’s falling behind.

Celtic fans love a fighter and if Auston Trusty wants to win them over, now is the time to show he’s more than just a price tag.

Because right now, he’s not just fighting for a place in the XI.

He’s fighting for relevance.