The ghastly gasps from the green side of Glasgow was heard for miles when Steve Clarke announced his national team squad earlier this week. With the Tartan Army set to face Austria, Israel and the Faroe Islands across the international break in the commencement of proceedings for World Cup 2022 qualification, the emission of David Turnbull was a focal point for discussion; with the midfielder’s stellar form somehow not being picked up on by Clarke and his staff.
Turnbull, who joined Celtic over the summer for a fee of £3 million, has been one of the very few shining lights in the Hoops’ tumultuous season, chipping in with vital assists, long-range goals and altogether tidy possession play; certainly not all of the Celtic midfield have done the same. Celtic fans let their bewilderment be known on Twitter at the news, and now Turnbull has gone on record himself saying how he can improve to finally make the squad that he has yearned so long to make.
The Scottish FA contacted me in the morning saying it was unfortunate so I just need to take that one on the chin.”
McLean and no Turnbull is strange , but that’s a decent squad
— Geewiz1889 (@sgrant229) March 16, 2021
Panic must surely be creeping in now for Turnbull – especially as team-mate Ryan Christie has made the squad despite his club form being an absolute shadow of not only his former self, but Turnbull’s as well. Questions could also be asked of Ryan Jack and Kenny McLean’s inclusions, too; but Turnbull insists he hasn’t given up hope of making the Euros.
Speaking to the press, Turnbull said: “It was disappointing but I just need to work hard now and show what I can do. It’s the manager’s decision so I need to respect whatever he does. It gives me motivation to work harder and try and push for a place.”
“The Scottish FA contacted me in the morning saying it was unfortunate so I just need to take that one on the chin.”
“I wouldn’t say it was a target but it’s something I want to work towards. It would be a great bonus to be involved in any squad, whether it was was this one or the Euros. I’m just looking to keep doing what I’m doing at club level – creating, scoring, whatever – then I can look forward after that.”
Turnbull will more than likely continue to be the consummate professional that he is given this blowing news, but given Sheffield United’s pending relegation and Christie’s diminishing form of late, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him replace Fleck or Christie at all – it’s the least he deserves for bringing one of few good aspects to Celtic’s season.
