Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has hailed Auston Trusty's response to his sub-par performance against Dundee on Tuesday.
The central defender was caused a wealth of problems midweek and received public criticism from his manager but bounced back with a solid display at the heart of his side's backline yesterday afternoon.
Trusty played his part in Celtic's 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock, as goals from Callum McGregor and Daizen Maeda made sure of the holders' place in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup.
Rodgers hit out at Trusty after Tuesday evening's match against Dundee, saying he had to be stronger in the air against Aaron Donnelly for the opposition's third goal.
The Parkhead boss was pleased with the American's response to such reproval yesterday: "I thought he was brilliant," he said.
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"I’m really pleased for him and the team because that was a really good win. The scoreline probably doesn’t reflect our dominance in the game.
"I spoke to Auston after the game on Tuesday and the next day. We draw a line under it and he knows exactly where he stands. These are men, they're not little boys. So you can talk openly and honestly to them, that's what every player will tell you.
"His response was excellent, he was good in training and you could see his focus. That's what I expect because in the big games, like against Leipzig and Atalanta, he's been colossal for us. But if you're going to have consistency, the level has got to be up there."
Signed for £6m from Sheffield United last summer, Trusty has enjoyed a relatively prosperous start to life in Glasgow.
He already has a Premier Sports Cup medal in his cabinet and is continually establishing himself as a first-choice starter in Rodgers' team.
