NEIL LENNON looks set to sign his first player since returning to the Celtic role on a full time basis. The news last night that Celtic have had a bid accepted for Motherwell’s David Turnbull means the midfielder is now in talks with the club over a potential move.
With terms not thought to be an issue, it will be down to the medical before Turnbull signs on the dotted line. However, anyone who believes Neil Lennon pulled Turnbull’s name out of a hat or got the idea of signing the SPFL Football Writer young player of the year from former scout Lee Congerton then think again.
Stephen Craigan has given some insight into when Neil noticed young Turnbull and it was back in 2018 when the youngster turned out for Motherwell’s developmental side against Hibernian. Neil Lennon was in attendance that day to watch the young Hibs side who had just clinched the league and after the game, Craigan recalls Neil asking about Turnbull.
“We actually had half a team that day but David Turnbull played. I remember speaking to Lenny after the game. He said: ‘I like your No 8’.” Craigan told SunSport.
“I said David was close to the first team and he talked about how he could deal with the ball. It was just a conversation.
“Neil’s last game as Hibs manager was against Motherwell at Fir Park and who scored the winner? The same No8. You wonder if that started to build in Lenny’s head.
“He has seen David’s progression. It maybe stuck in his mind he wasn’t bad. You wouldn’t think he’s pushing to sign him on the basis of that game a year ago — but it plants the seed.
“You always tell young players you never know who’s watching or who is interested.
Having the finances and the pull of a club like Celtic means the manager can now work with a player he has admired for some time. The midfielder is by no means the finished article but he could prove to be a big player for Celtic in the next four to five years should he sign with the club.
