David Turnbull was a surprise starter ahead of Reo Hatate on Saturday and he certainly grabbed the chance by the horns. Well, it was a surprise only if you factor in Hatate’s outstanding contribution to the Treble winning campaign last season in comparison to the former Motherwell midfielder’s more modest input. If, as Brendan Rodgers has made clear, there is a clean slate for all players at the start of pre-season then it’s hard to argue that Turnbull starting spot on Saturday was both merited and justified.
Celtic v Ross County – cinch Premiership – Celtic Park Celtics David Turnbull scores their side s first goal of the game from the penalty spot during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Saturday August 5, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh
And he certainly repaid the faith shown by the new manager. The Bull scored a brace and put in a decent shift in the 4-1 victory over Ross County on flag day.
David Turnbull has always had the ability that was never in question, but whether it was through injury or loss of form he seemed to struggle sometimes to nail down a regular starting position under Ange Postecoglou who eventually came to see him as a squad player, worthy of a place on the bench but seldom if ever a starter.
Celtic v Ross County – David Turnbull scores the third goal of the game during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Saturday August 5, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh
Yet David is a quality talent. He can pick a pass and has no problem finding the net. On Saturday he seemed to find a new level energy wise, he was popping up all over the place, as indeed was the message he received from the manager. He put in the graft as well as adding the goals and was very unfortunate not to get a hat-trick.
David’s situation is similar to that of a certain Stuart Armstrong at Celtic back in the summer of 2016. He too found a new level under Brendan’s leadership and became a regular starter at the club, becoming a regular at international level before winning a big money move to the EPL with Southampton.
Stuart Armstrong is congratulated by team mates after he scores the opening goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on March 12, 2017. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Brendan Rodgers now looks set to do the same for David Turnbull. Here’s hoping David gets the new contract he wants, deserves and looks set to be on the table soon. He won’t regret signing it as he can become a very important player in the second Celtic era of Brendan Rodgers.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
