AUSTON TRUSTY has revealed he could have been starring for Rangers in this weekend’s Old Firm derby.
Celtic swooped to land the USA stopper in a £6million deadline-busting deal last autumn.
Brendan Rodgers signed the defender last summer[/caption]
But Auston Trusty could’ve lined up for Celtic’s biggest rivals instead[/caption]
Brendan Rodgers has paired him with countryman Cameron Carter-Vickers as the Hoops chase yet another Treble.
But ahead of the lunchtime showdown at Celtic Park, Trusty, 26, has admitted he could have moved to Ibrox from previous club Arsenal.
He said: “I do remember it. I was one of the best centre-backs in the Championship at the time 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. There was real interest and there were talks, but I wasn’t really engaged with that process and there were other teams keen 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.”
Trusty moved from Arsenal to the Blades, and had one season in the Premier League before switching to the champions.
He has formed a strong defensive partnership with Carter-Vickers, as boss Rodgers’ side have won the Premier Sports Cup and reached the last four of the Scottish Cup.
They can move 19 points clear of Gers at the Premiership summit — and within two wins of four in a row — with victory at Parkhead.
Trusty won’t have the notion that the derby is meaningless with the title in the bag.
He added: “The people who say that are not Celtic players or part of our organisation. We can’t have that mindset.
“The atmosphere and environment in and around this team simply doesn’t allow it. There’s no room for it at all.
“We are taking this very seriously. There are plenty of reasons why this game matters.
“This is the kind of game that attracts you as a player, the kind of match that provides so much emotion, good and bad.
“These are the situations you want to be involved in.”
Celts added winger Jota after the 3-0 derby defeat to Gers on January 2, and the Portuguese star will make his second derby ‘debut’ today.
Trusty believes the ex-Rennes ace has been an astute signing and can make a big impact against Gers, as he did during his first spell at the club.
Jota has hit the ground running since returning to Celtic[/caption]
He said: “In terms of first impressions, the first thing for me was what he is like as a human being.
“Jota’s a great guy, really approachable and likeable.
“As a player, he’s fantastic. He’s been great for us since coming back.
“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 a crucial player. All of the guys are important.”
Trusty and pal Carter-Vickers are both in the USA squad for the CONCACAF Nations League double-header.
The Celts stoppers have been given the nod by head coach Mauricio Pochettino to join the 23-man party to face Panama and either Canada or Mexico next week.
It’s the first time Carter-Vickers has been selected by the former Spurs team boss, after missing out on international duty for his adopted country since last year’s Copa America.
Trusty is thrilled they will get the opportunity to transfer their club understanding to the international stage.
He added: “It’s really pleasing for me and we are both really happy. All eyes are on the World Cup and that is a goal for myself and 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 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.”
Before that, Trusty is focused on today’s derby, in the full knowledge that family Stateside will tune in to watch the big game.
Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty will likely be the partnership in defence[/caption]
He said: “We are ready for it. We know its significance with the rivalry in the city.
“These are definitely the games you want to be involved in and the atmospheres you want to be around.
“Growing up in Philadelphia I knew all about the atmosphere around this fixture.
“I’ve not experienced too much this week, but that’s because I don’t go out much.
“I go to training and live my life at home, but when you go out you do feel it and it’s all part of it.”
The sporting landscape in Philadelphia has been dominated by last month’s Super Bowl win for Trusty’s beloved Eagles.
They beat the reigning champs Kansas City Chiefs in emphatic style in New Orleans to claim the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Eagles fan Trusty has no fears over a potential Rangers takeover by rivals the San Francisco 49ers.
Asked if there was a rivalry between the 49ers and Eagles, he added: “Yeah, maybe a little! The Eagles’ big rivals are the Dallas Cowboys, but we’ve faced the 49ers a couple of times recently.
“The most important thing is we’re top dogs. That’s all that matters. It was amazing to see the Eagles win the Super Bowl.”
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