Auston Trusty backing Celtic to give Bayern Munich a run for their money

Auston Trusty is confident Celtic will hold their own against European heavyweights Bayern Munich at Parkhead on Wednesday night.

The Scottish champions host the German giants in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off with a place in the last 16 at stake.

Brendan Rodgers’ side ended the league phase in 21st position – 10 of their 12 points were garnered at home – while Bayern, who have won six European Cups, were 12th.

USA defender Trusty, who joined the Hoops from Sheffield United last summer, said: “I back this team with everything.

“When we are on it, when we play our game and we have the right mindset and we play as a collective, I truly back us against anybody.

“So it’s really up to us. As a little kid, growing up in Media, Pennsylvania, to hear you say that (playing in the knockout play-off), I would think you’re lying.

“So for me to have this opportunity to be here playing for Celtic and to be playing Bayern Munich at Celtic Park tomorrow with the fans and the amazing environment and all that, it’s what dreams are made of, and what I could have only dreamt of as a little kid in my bed while sleeping.

“We’re at home and we’ve shown to each other and hopefully you guys (media) as well, that we back ourselves and when we can go out there and actually get a result.

“There’s no reason to play with fear. We have nothing to lose, only things to gain.

“And we if we go out there and do our thing, I think we truly believe that we can get a result that’s in our favour.”

Trusty is also relishing the opportunity to face prolific Bayern and England striker Harry Kane, who has scored 28 times in 28 games for the Bundesliga leaders this term.

He said: “I’ve played against many players who are world class and who are great players as well.

“But as a defender, you look forward to those games and you want to test yourself.

“He’s backed by a lot of people, and he’s shown a lot of people that he can do amazing things, but as a defender you want to show that you can stop that.”