Auston Trusty confident ‘magical’ Celtic season can end in title glory

Auston Trusty believes a newfound unity at Celtic can fire them to a “magical” season finale after an “insane” atmosphere drove them to a crucial derby win.

The Premiership champions cut the gap on leaders Hearts to one point as Daizen Maeda’s second-half double earned a 3-1 home win over Rangers.

The atmosphere at Celtic Park has at times been unusually quiet and negative this season, with fans at odds with the board over transfer strategy, the banishment of the Green Brigade and the appointment of Wilfried Nancy, among other issues.

But the stadium was full and as noisy as ever on Sunday, especially when Maeda’s overhead kick looped into the top corner to put Celtic two up.

Trusty said: “Obviously Champions League nights here are incredible, but that atmosphere was insane. It was so insane.

“It really helped us. It’s everything. It’s everything we need.

“We need to do our part, but as an organisation, as a club, everyone’s playing a part – and the fans, definitely, truly played a part in this win. This is the best atmosphere I’ve ever played in.”

The United States international added: “It makes a big difference. The big draw with Celtic is the history and the club itself. But, obviously, the fanbase too. Knowing that 60,000 people are going to be cheering you on.

“The atmosphere’s just insane. It really does play a big part. Drawing players in but also when you’re actually here playing the games – it’s like ‘wow, this is incredible’. Playing Celtic versus Rangers like this, it’s just incredible.”

Celtic were six points behind Hearts when Martin O’Neill returned following Wilfried Nancy’s brief but damaging reign and, after making up some ground, they slipped five points adrift in third place with seven games left.

However, five consecutive wins have helped them see off the challenge of Rangers and pile pressure on the leaders.

“I don’t think we’ve ever stopped believing,” Trusty said. “We’ve always had the mindset that it’s been within our grasp. But with the momentum we have now, I would say it can be really magical.”

Trusty could experience another atmosphere to rival the derby when Hearts visit Celtic Park on Saturday but only if they keep their challenge alive on Wednesday night, when they face a Motherwell side who beat them at Fir Park in December.

“We should go there and play our game,” the centre-back said. “Obviously this year we’ve had our ups and downs. But the momentum we have, let’s just go there and play the Celtic way.”