Firm Trusty reality check, Lagerbielke lifeline falters and £15m windfall ‘complicated’

Brendan Rodgers’ side survived a Premier Sports Cup fright, but there is still much work to do.

After his performance against Falkirk, Celtic defender Austin Trusty has been informed that he will not return to the starting lineup next weekend.

The centre-back made his first start for the Scottish Premiership champions in a 5-2 Premier Sports Cup thriller against Falkirk, only days after coming off the bench in the Hoops’ Champions League defeat against Slovan Bratislava. The games are the first glances Celtic fans have seen of the USA international since his £5.5 million transfer from Sheffield United last summer, but Simon Donnelly believes Brendan Rodgers will not be won over just yet.

In an interview with BBC’s Scottish Football podcast, the former Parkhead star insisted that Liam Scales will start against St Johnstone on Saturday. When asked about Trusty and debutant left-back Alex Valle, Donnelly replied, “These guys haven’t had much game time.” Trusty came off the bench in the Champions League the other night for his debut appearance, and Liam Scales has performed admirably in that position.

“It would have simply highlighted Celtic’s current situation, which is positive. The guys that now have the jersey will keep it. He made improvements and used the opportunity to relax a couple. I don’t think anyone who began (against Falkirk) would rush to start the next game; I believe it will be routine service.”

After Trusty joined Celtic Park last summer, Gustav Lagerbielke was given permission to leave on loan. However, his loan stay with FC Twente hasn’t gone as planned thus far.

The Swede has yet to make his debut for his new club, having been kept on the bench in all three games since his arrival by manager Joseph Oosting. However, sporting director Arnold Bruggink has defended the centre-back, stating that the Celtic loanee will have his chance.

Celtic's Gustaf Lagerbielke
Celtic’s Gustaf Lagerbielke (Image: SNS Group)

According to VoetbalTijd, certain players are under pressure and not contributing to the team’s performance. What you should not overlook is the departure of two team captains, Robin Propper and Michal Sadilek.

“There are two new boys taking their position. They can handle it easily in a sporting manner; there is no debate about that as far as I am concerned. Whether it’s Max Bruns or, finally, Gustaf Lagerbielke, anyone can take that function. “No doubt.”

Celtic will have to wait and see if Lagerbielke can make his imprint at Twente and allow them to recuperate some of the cash they shelled out for him. However, Jeremie Frimpong is expected to bring in huge money.

However, a potential deal to Chelsea from Bayern Leverkusen has been “complicated” by interest from Liverpool, according to one report. Celtic will receive 30% of any sales by the German champions.

The Blues are apparently preparing a £50 million January bid, with the Hoops receiving £15 million if the transfer goes through. According to Kicker, Arne Slot’s side is considering a bid for Frimpong, but will only give roughly £41 million.

Read more at: https://sportupdates.co.uk

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