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Celtic told Martin O’Neill has a centre-back who ‘hates’ physical contact and is ‘soft’

Those three defeats before the international break summed up where Celtic are at the moment, and how this simply isn’t a Martin O’Neill team. Normally…

Published: Monday, 28 September 2026 at 3:45 PM
Celtic told Martin O’Neill has a centre-back who ‘hates’ physical contact and is ‘soft’
Key Things to Know
  • Andy Halliday criticized Celtic defender Auston Trusty for being soft and avoiding physical contact in big games.
  • Halliday highlighted Trusty's poor physicality during Celtic's defeats against Rangers and LASK.
  • Shaun Maloney had previously backed Trusty, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, and Dane Murray without signing new center-backs.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Andy Halliday has criticized Celtic center-back Auston Trusty, claiming the American defender shies away from physical contact during crucial matches. Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, Halliday labeled Trusty as frustrating and soft in high-stakes games following Celtic's recent losses, which included two defeats against Rangers and a loss to LASK in Austria.

Halliday questioned the club's decision not to sign center-backs over the summer after Shaun Maloney expressed confidence in Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Dane Murray, and Trusty. He argued that central defense remains an issue for Martin O'Neill's side, especially with Stephen Welsh performing well after leaving Celtic.

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