DAVID’S A STAR TURN
Lennon praises Turnbull for sealing victory
NEIL LENNON hailed David Turnbull for getting Celtic back on track as the Park head manager’s much- changed side deservedly saw off Lille.
Having endured a stop- start opening to his Celtic career, the former Motherwell midfielder swept home the winner to ensure Lennon’s men ended a sequence of five games without a victory as they signed off from the Europa League in style.
Lennon made six changes from the team which drew with St Johnstone, with Conor Hazard making his debut in goal and Ismaila Soro receiving his first start.
Turnbull was the star man in an accomplished
team display, though, with Lennon effusive in his praise. ‘He was excellent,’ he said. ‘He’s had the coronavirus which laid him up for quite a while, so it was just a question of being careful with him and obviously getting him some game time. ‘He did really well when he came on on Sunday and I thought he had an exceptionally good game tonight. ‘It was not just his goal but his all-round play was very good. We know what a talented player he is. Hopefully now we’ll see the best of him.’ Christopher Jullien headed Celtic in front only for Jonathan Ikone to level but Callum McGregor atoned for an error at that goal to put his side back in front from the spot. Lille equalised for a second time through former Celt Timothy Weah only for Turnbull to hit the winner with 15 minutes left. ‘It’s great to finish on a high against a very good side,’ added Lennon. ‘Three goals at home, we were well worth it. ‘Callum McGregor is a great player. He puts himself out there every week and is a real leader. ‘I’m delighted for him to get the goal. ‘The atmosphere has been good despite recent results and that’s given everyone a big lift. ‘We now need to try to get a win on Sunday — get the mentality right and keep the spirit going.’ Meanwhile, Celtic last night warned fans intending on protesting at the stadium on Sunday to think again. Demonstrations have taken place at the recent games with Ross County and St Johnstone with more planned for the game with Kilmarnock. A Celtic statement read: ‘The club fully understands the frustration amongst supporters following recent results and performances, but clearly, we do not believe staging an event of this kind is in the best interests of supporters, the team or the club, particularly just prior to the match. ‘Given the health risk of gatherings of any kind, the club has not agreed to any gathering taking place.’