Kennedy talks up Turnbull chances

CELTIC assistant manager John Kennedy last night insisted that David Turnbull is capable of playing his way into the Scotland squad for the Euro 2020 finals this summer.

Turnbull, a £3.25m signing from Motherwell last year, netted a longrange goal in the first-half of the Premiership match at Parkhead to ensure the quadruple treble winners triumphed 1-0.

The 21-year-old playmaker, who took his tally for the 2020/21 campaign to eight with his strike, has never been capped by his country at full international level.

However, former Scotland centre half Kennedy feels he could force his way into Steve Clarke’s plans if he continues performing at such a high level in the coming weeks.

“I wouldn’t rule it out,” he said. “Steve will have a lot of decisions to make with his squad. Maybe he will be loyal to the guys that got him there. But David is doing everything he can in terms of performances to ask the question.”

Meanwhile, Kennedy dismissed Derek McInnes’s claim that Aberdeen should have been awarded a first-half penalty for a Stephen Welsh hand ball.

“At the time I would have said no as his hands were at his side,” he said. “The ball was close and ricocheted up, so I don’t think he could have got his hand out the way. It would have been harsh. But the opposition are always going to claim for it.”

Celtic, who are now 15 points behind Rangers in the league, recorded their fifth consecutive win against Aberdeen and Kennedy admitted he was pleased for Parkhead manager Neil Lennon.

“Neil has been terrific,” he said. “He has come under a lot of pressure and scrutiny but he’s a terrific guy, a terrific manager, and works hard.”

Wonder-strike keeps winning streak going for Parkhead side.