DAVID TURNBULL has started and scored in the last two games for Celtic as he looks to fill the space left by Reo Hatate.
The Motherwell man had a strong start to the season but found himself back on the bench after Reo had come back from an injury.
Now the Japanese midfielder is out until the new year, there’s a spot to really make a mark over the next few months and heavy competition for places.
David hasn’t done his chances of keeping his spot in the team any harm by getting on the scoresheet against St Mirren and Ross County.
Asked if he feels he can be the man to step up, the midfielder replied: “Yes definitely. Every game I play, I want to give my all and try to create chances and score chances for the team and that is what I will try to do.”
“I just try to do my talking on the pitch and try to focus on my own game and not focus on that too much at the moment. You can overthink things in life and in football, especially.
“It is just about focusing on each game at a time. We have a lot of games coming up thick and fast, so just focusing on all of them. Once you get into the team, you need to take your chance. There is a lot of competition for places, but once you are in there, you need to nail down your spot and do your best for the team. I just try to do that in every game that I am in.”
It’s well documented that David is approaching the final six months of his Celtic contract. When the clock strikes midnight on Hogmanay he will be free to talk to any club about a pre-contract to move in the summer.
Asked about the current state of play with his talks, Turnbull explained to RecordSport: “To be honest, I just leave it to the club and those that are involved with it.”
It sounds like a man who doesn’t know if he’ll be at Celtic next season jus quite yet. He will want to make sure how the manager wants to utilise him going forward. At 24, his next deal is a big one, there’s no doubt he will have a raft of clubs down south looking to sign him on a pre-contract if the opportunity arises.
Celtic fans are split over David’s worth to the team. Do you think Celtic should push the boat out to keep him at the club?
Yes