How the US media rated Celtic star Auston Trusty's World Cup debut vs Australia

Celtic defender Auston Trusty made his World Cup debut on Friday as the United States beat Australia 2-0 in Washington.

An own-goal from Cameron Burgess and Alex Freeman's header proved the difference for Mauricio Pochettino's side, who have secured their place in the round of 32.

The host nation now need just a draw against Turkey to win group D and ensure a clash against a team that finished third in their group.

Trusty's inclusion in the United States squad was a slight surprise, but the centre-back enjoyed a superb end to the campaign with Celtic.

The Hoops won the Scottish Premiership on the final day against Hearts and lifted the FA Cup to complete the double, with the 27-year-old appearing throughout in both games.

Trusty has been the subject of doubts after moments of poor defending, but his World Cup debut is the reward for his fight-back at Parkhead.

Two more subs coming. pic.twitter.com/va2PfMkqQB

Trusty spent the entire season in the centre of Celtic's defence, but Pochettino appears to have a different plan for him.

Interestingly, when the 27-year-old was substituted on, it was for Sergino Dest, who had been playing as a left-sided wing-back.

Of course, the former Arsenal defender played the position in a far deeper, more defensive way, but it was a surprising sight nevertheless.

But as he has done all season for Celtic, Trusty got the job done and dealt with what he needed to.

The two-time Scottish champion completed two clearances in his 10 minutes on the pitch, and won half of his aerial duels.

Sports Illustrated rated Trusty with a 6.2 out of 10, while ESPN wrote that he "allowed Pochettino to have more reinforcements to fend off Australia's late advances".

GOAL gave the defender a six out of 10, and wrote that it was "No mistake why Pochettino turned to the big Celtic defender late, with Australia pushing to make it interesting."

Celtic paid just under £6million to sign Trusty from Sheffield United in 2024, and the defender signed a five-year deal.

His form for the Hoops since has undoubtedly seen his value rise, and an appearance at the World Cup will do it no harm either.

A place in the @spfl #TOTW for Auston Trusty! #CelticFC https://t.co/PR9ps14c10 pic.twitter.com/JeGCq2brAe

With three years now remaining on the defender's deal, a new contract feels as if it should be on the agenda.

Celtic will likely enter talks with Trusty upon his return, with Martin O'Neill keen to reward his most important players.