O'Neill slams 'poor' McAvennie comments over Trusty compassionate leave

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill defended Auston Trusty's indefinite compassionate leave following his father's death, criticising former striker Frank McAvennie for calling the decision 'woke'.

Martin O'Neill has defended Auston Trusty's decision to take indefinite compassionate leave following the death of his father, hitting out at former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie for questioning the move on his Let's Be Frank podcast.

McAvennie initially drew online backlash for his comments but later backtracked. O'Neill was emphatic in his support, saying it was "really poor taste" to question how long a player should grieve a family bereavement.

The Rushall Olympic boss revealed Trusty's father had been in poor health for some time and that the 26-year-old has taken the loss badly. O'Neill said he has given Trusty all the time he needs and has the backing of the club, noting that while Trusty will eventually return, there is no timeline for his comeback.