Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Mon 9 March 2026 10:18, UK

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Darren O’Dea has praised Auston Trusty for his performance in Celtic’s Scottish Cup quarter-final win over Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday.

The 27-year-old was brought back into Martin O’Neill’s team for the clash after serving a suspension for a red card he picked up against Hibernian last month.

And he answered the call brilliantly, playing the entire 120 minutes as the Hoops eventually won on penalties to book their place in the semi-final.

Rangers dominated the game but were unable to find the breakthrough, eventually losing on penalties after James Tavernier and Djeidi Gassama failed to score from the spot.

Celtic’s win was marred by ugly scenes after the game, with both sets of fans entering the field of play and exchanging flares.

Darren O’Dea waxes lyrical about ‘massive’ Auston Trusty

Trusty has often been a figure of debate within the Celtic fan base, with some seeing him as integral, while others believe he is a liability.

There was little doubt about the defender’s role in Sunday’s victory, however. The United States international was everywhere for the Bhoys, constantly making crucial tackles and clearances.

One huge moment saw him throw his body at the ball to block Mikey Moore’s shot, deflecting it over the bar.

Trusty was full value for the clean sheet Celtic earned, and can claim a defining role in a sensational Old Firm derby.

Julian Araujo impressed against Rangers as well, and speaking to BBC Sportscene on Sunday, O’Dea was keen to praise both players.

“You see Araujo here and Trusty, the speed to recover, that was a big feature of play,” he said. “Trusty was the best, you could argue, best player on the pitch today.

“It was a massive, massive call to bring him back into the team after midweek, he’s been suspended, but he today he was absolutely massive.

“You can see here, he’s quickest off his feet as well to make a second block and he was massive for them today.”

Trusty repays Martin O’Neill backing

There had been calls before the game that Trusty should not be starting on Sunday. The defender is prone to a wild moment, and could have been a risk for Celtic.

But O’Neill chose to keep his faith in the centre-back, and he was rewarded with a sensational display at Ibrox.

The 27-year-old was heroic throughout the clash and will be rightly lauded for his efforts over the next week.

Trusty and Celtic have faced a difficult time of late, but this was the type of result that just might galvanise O’Neill’s team.