David Turnbull spoke to Celtic TV today ahead of Celtic’s SPFL match at home to Livingston on Saturday. The Hoops have certainly turned the screw in recent weeks, with an impressive run of form away from home in particular. Saturday’s game will see a return to Paradise again though. Ange Postecoglou and his players will be hoping for a repeat of last weekend versus St Johnstone.
Another three points tomorrow could see Celtic leapfrog theRangers into first place in the league table. A result that could seriously damage our rivals psychologically, after their shaky start to the campaign. An opportunity that must not be taken for granted considering the infancy of Ange’s rebuild.
When quizzed about the prospect of going top of the league, Turnbull said: “Everybody’s looking forward to it tomorrow. We’ve not thought about that too much. We’re playing well at the moment and everybody is sticking together. It’s just about continuing that into each game. Everybody’s raring to go.”
I think Livi, we’ll expect them to maybe sit in a wee bit. I think they’ll try and do what they done in their home game against us, which worked well. It’s just about us trying to break that down and perform better on the day.”
When asked about his regular inclusion in the side, the midfielder said: “Yeah, I’m loving it. Every game I’ve played I’ve wanted more and more. The managers played me every game. I’m absolutely delighted with that and I just want to kind of repay him. Do as much as I can for the team and help the team out. That’s what every player wants to do, play as many games as you can each season.”
“I just tried to take everything I done from last season into this season. I think at the start of the season, I personally struggled a wee bit. But I’ve kind of found my feet and performed well, and I’m really enjoying it at the moment. We’re all performing well together at the minute as a team and getting results, which is the most important thing.”
After his crosses against Hibs, David admitted he has been working on his delivery into the box. He said: “I always kind of try and work on it. From corner kicks, freekicks – whatever it is. Luckily on Wednesday night we got two goals from it. We try to get as much goals as we can from there. I feel my deliveries have been good recently. On Wednesday night, I had a good few corners and stuff that I felt I was taking well. So it was good to to get the rewards off it.”
“It’s been great. The games have been coming thick and fast, and like I said earlier that’s what we want to do. Playing the style of football the manager wants. It’s great for players like me and other attacking players in the team. So it’s been really good just doing that. Obviously game after game, three games a week – there’s not much else you want.”
On Ange putting his faith in him, he said: “Yeah, it gives me a lot of confidence. I’ve played every game I think this season. It shows the manager trusts me. He’s kind of sticking with me. I’m just looking to do the same every game and repay him for everything he’s done. He’s playing me every game and I’m loving it.”
“Yeah, everybody loves it. The training is great. It’s fast tempo and everything is worked on the way we want to play. Going into games we’re starting to do that every week. We’re starting to be a bit more ruthless in front of goal and getting the results. I’m sure everybody is enjoying it.”
On the time dedicated to his set-piece delivery, the player said: “Maybe after a session I’ll go aside with one of the coaches and work myself on putting in deliveries, or maybe we’ll work as a team on set-pieces. I wouldn’t say too long, it’s just about trying to get it right and sometimes it’s just speaking about it – what we want to do and trying to get it right.”
On the possibility of VAR, he added: “I’m my really sure. I think there’s probably pros and cons, which people higher up will know best. But myself, I think it would be good, but as I says I’ve not really thought about it.”
Paul Gillespie
