THE NEARLY DEPARTED
Robinson hails fit-againTurnbull’s return to form and admits star’s exit is inevitable
IT IS a matter not quite as certain as the nights now drawing in but the odds on Celtic formally rekindling their interest in David Turnbull in this transfer window are tumbling by the day.
One year on from his £3.25million move to Parkhead collapsing due to an unforeseen knee issue, Turnbull looks, if anything, an improved player.
With Tom Rogic the subject of serious interest from Qatar, Neil Lennon may soon have both a jersey in his squad to fill and the means to get the deal done at the second attempt.
The scouting reports the Celtic boss will have received on Turnbull’s recent displays can only encourage him.
Stephen Robinson, the Motherwell manager, is in no rush to see such a talent leave Fir Park, yet spoke yesterday with something approaching an air of resignation that the matter will soon be out of his hands.
‘He’s someone we don’t want to lose because he’s a top, top player,’ said Robinson.
‘But when you’re that talented and the club is doing well, it’s the nature of the business that you’ll be linked with a move elsewhere.
‘David’s dealt with it very well. It didn’t affect his performance against Hibs last Saturday and I don’t expect it to affect him this weekend.
‘He’s so laid back and chilled about the whole thing, plus he loves playing for Motherwell, so we know he’ll try his best every time he goes on the pitch. That’s never in question.
‘If someone does come in for him, it will have to be for the right money and, if it is, we won’t stand in anyone’s way. For someone as good as he is and playing as well as he is, it’s half expected anyway.’
Turnbull managed a handful of games prior to lockdown, an insufficient number to adequately judge the mental and physical toll the previous summer’s episode had taken on him.
Although Motherwell are still seeking their first league win of the season, his displays to date have provided a resounding answer to that question. Even his manager admits to being a little taken aback by the levels he’s reached.
‘In terms of his fitness levels, yes — in terms of his talent, no,’ added Robinson, whose side host Hamilton today. ‘That’s exactly what we expected. He’s looked fit and strong and our physio, David Henderson, deserves a special mention for the amount of work he’s done in the background.
‘Young David should be buying him a pint or two once he’s allowed to because he’s spent a tremendous amount of time working with him on both the mental and physical side of his rehabilitation.
‘Seeing him back at the standard he’s been showing has been a boost for everyone.
‘The mental aspect is the biggest challenge for players in that situation. David had never felt any pain, so we knew that the injury would be okay; it was just a matter of how quickly he could get back to his best and Saturday proved that he’s there now.
‘He’s getting about the pitch quickly again and he deserves credit for being so mentally strong. He’s proved he can deal with anything.’
What Robinson would give for Turnbull’s class to make the difference today. Hamilton are without a point in three outings ahead of the trip to Fir Park — a concerning position but hardly the kind of run they are unaccustomed to. The Motherwell manager can sense the danger that lies in wait.
‘These games matter. There’s an added edge to it,’ he said. ‘We want to get our first win of the season and follow up on last week’s performance and play with the same attitude and desire.
‘It’s a very important game for us. We are desperate to win and give the fans something to shout about.
‘Accies surprise everyone every year. They have some good players and Brian (Rice) is a very good coach. We won’t be underestimating them. Their results might go up and down but the current form goes out of the window when you play them. They are a dangerous side. They have big threats up front in (David) Mayo and (Marios) Ogkmpoe if he plays. They also have some talented young boys.’
The better side in last week’s goalless draw in Leith, Motherwell were entitled to feel better about themselves in training this week.
But, as midfielder Mark O’Hara concedes, all the plaudits in the world will just be white noise until that first win of the campaign has been secured.
‘We really need a result,’ he said. ‘We’ve been unfortunate — things just haven’t gone our way.
‘This is a real chance for us to get three points and winning a derby would be a good way to do it. ‘There were signs last week that things are picking up. We’ve analysed the Hibs game and there was a lot to take from it. ‘We played a lot more. Against Livingston, it was more of a battle and we got back to ourselves last week — more like how we want to play. We controlled the game for large parts which is what we want to do.’