'Great news': Celtic star welcomes development after hectic summer but swerves political storm

The centre-half was a key part of the Celtic team that won the Premiership and the Scottish Cup. He was then whisked away back to his homeland of the United States, where he was part of their World Cup squad. Not only did Trusty start a match, but he also got on the scoresheet against Turkey.

The USA got to the last 16, losing to Belgium, and then Trusty had to tend to a serious family matter after his father Walt took ill. Given extra time off, the 27-year-old only returned to pre-season training less than a fortnight ago and was thrust straight into Celtic’s 1-0 win over Dundee on Monday.

“It’s good to see all the guys and just the banter,” said Trusty. “After last season's win, everyone just kind of dispersed after the game. So it's just good to come back and see all the guys and reminisce.

“When I got home [after the World Cup], unfortunately, my dad was in a really serious health situation. So I literally landed and I had to go see him first thing. So I didn't really get too much of a moment to take it in across my whole off-season. That's why I had extra time. I still haven't done it yet.

"I really need to, just because one, the Celtic season we had and to finish in that fashion. But also to get called into the World Cup, make the World Cup team, start and then score a World Cup goal. Not many people can say they've scored at a World Cup, especially a centre-back! Those are dreams come true. It's such an amazing period, so I really have to do it because that's what football is all about. But I will, I will."

If that wasn’t enough, Trusty and his American teammates were caught up in the centre of political storm when FIFA suspended a ban handed to USA’ s star striker Folarin Balogun. He was permitted to play against the Belgians after a red card in the previous round. Not that it mattered hugely; the Americans lost 4-1.

"Yeah, it was interesting, but at the same time it's not really worth me answering just because like it's so political,” said Trusty when asked about his view on it all. “My thoughts don't really matter in the sense of it. I'm not Trump. I'm not Infantino. I'm not Balogun. I have nothing to really do with it. He was just my teammate that got let back on, so yeah, there's not really an answer for me to really say."

Trusty was more open on the prospect of facing Kilmarnock on Sunday on a grass pitch rather than a synthetic surface. The Rugby Park outfit ripped up their oft-maligned turf during the summer - and the Celtic man welcomed that development.

"Great news,” Trusty smiled. “I think historically, any team that really goes there, the one thing you think about...'okay, we're going to play on this pitch.'

"I think a lot of players prefer to play on a grass pitch. Well, a good grass pitch and then a grass pitch and then at least a good turf pitch and then talk about their pitch, that was probably a little over tiered.

"But it's good that they're back. It's good that they changed the surface."