Auston Trusty praised the character of his Celtic team-mates following the 2-2 draw against Bologna in Italy tonight.

The American internationalist, who scored Celtic’s second goal of the game, produced a superb defensive display as the Hoops faced a Bologna onslaught, particularly in the second half as the Italian side looked to get a way back into the game.

Celtic had a 2-0 goal lead at half-time, courtesy of goals from Trusty and Reo Hatate, but the Japanese midfielder was sent off just after the half-hour mark after picking up two yellow cards.

It meant that a real backs-to-the-wall performance was required by Martin O’Neill’s side, and that’s exactly what they produced to gain a well-deserved and vital Europa League point.

Speaking to Celtic TV after the game, Auston Trusty said: “That was my first goal in a European competition so it means the world to me.

'I’m hungry for goals and I want to score more goals, and hopefully I can get more.'

“The result is something to build on and it reminds me a bit of the Atalanta game last year. It was that kind of defensive performance, trying to weather the storm.

“We were on our heels in the second half being down to 10 men but it shows the real character of this team.

“Everyone put in a shift and everyone put in tremendous effort to come here and get a point away from home.”

Auston Trusty: We showed great character to get a point in Bologna