Auston Trusty believes Martin O’Neill has fully justified the right to choose his own next step after guiding Celtic to an unexpected domestic double this season.
The 74 year-old capped a remarkable turnaround by leading Celtic to Scottish Cup success against Dunfermline Athletic at Hampden, just a week arter securing the Premiership title.
O’Neill is now set for discussions with principal shareholder Dermot Desmond regarding whether he will remain in charge permanently.
Trusty paid tribute to O’Neill for transforming the atmosphere around the club following his return earlier in the campaign.
“You don’t see too often a 74-year-old coach coming back twice to save the day,” Trusty said via The Celtic Way. “So it’s really magical what he’s done, coming in and really revitalising the group and winning the double.
“I think he’s earned the right to decide whatever he wants to do. He’s had a tremendous career as a player and a tremendous career as a coach.
“He’s won the league and then won the cup today. He’s earned the right.”
The United States international also reflected on a dramatic week in which Celtic defeated the Ibrox club, Motherwell and Hearts in the space of seven days to clinch the league title.
“All three games we had last week were just building up and building up to that peak moment of winning the league in the fashion that we did,” the American added.
“I think about young Celtic fans… Maybe their dad or their grandpa is a Celtic fan and they’re trying to decide whether they like the team or not.
“I think that week converted a lot of Celtic fans to be like, you know what, I’ll be a fan for another 100 years. So to create that magical moment for Celtic fans and future Celtic fans, it really means a lot.
“But also to have those moments for Martin. I think that really cemented his legacy. Obviously, his legacy was already cemented, but even more.
“It truly was a magical week. I think we were all so emotional throughout the week to really get the job done for ourselves, for Martin, for the fan base and for the organisation.”
Trusty also revealed O’Neill’s personality has helped connect with the squad during his spell in charge.
“They’re funny,” Trusty added. “I think he sometimes makes jokes, but he’s also very, very serious.
“He’s got a lot of passion for the game and he wants to win and he knows the winning mentality. So it’s just getting his messages across.”
One of the defining moments in Celtic’s title run came at Fir Park when they were awarded a late penalty following a VAR review after Trusty challenged for a high ball with Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson. Kelechi Iheanacho converted the decisive spot-kick.
“I got elbowed, so I thought it was because of the elbow. And then I realised he got it for a handball,” Trusty said.
“Kel stepped up and taking that pen, that’s big player moves from Kel. I’ve never seen a buzzer-beater penalty kick. But that’s what it was.
“And then obviously celebrating the fans – I have some crazy pictures of fans kissing me and everything like that. It was magical.”
After completing a double-winning season in Scotland, Trusty is now hoping to fulfil another ambition by representing the United States at a home World Cup next summer.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side will face Paraguay, Australia and Turkey in Group D, with the Celtic defender expected to be included in the squad.
“It would be a dream come true,” he said. “It would mean the absolute world to me.
“I think every decision I’ve ever done in my entire career, every team I’ve gone to, every environment I put myself in, has been geared to put me in the World Cup and have me represent the national team.
“Because playing for my country, representing the badge, it means everything to me. So if I get the opportunity to represent the States on home soil in the World Cup, it literally would be a dream come true.”
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