CELTIC’S STAR TURN
Strikers hog limelight but David’s man providing the ammunition
He might not be hogging the headlines like Kyogo, Abada and Jota.
But tucked in behind Celtic’s new front three, David Turnbull believes he’s in the form of his life at Parkhead.
The midfielder has almost gone under the radar this term, with Ange Postecoglou’s exciting new forward players in the spotlight.
On Thursday night in Budapest each of them grabbed a goal as they beat Ferencvaros 3-2 in the Europa League.
Almost in their shadow, Turnbull put in one of his best performances yet in a Hoops shirt.
The 22-year- old is an ever-present this season for Postecoglou’s side and believes his game has gone on to another level under the Aussie boss who replaced Neil Lennon.
Turnbull is full of praise for the forwards players at Celtic but insists their performances are also bringing out the best in him.
Ahead of today’s clash with Dundee at Dens Park, he reflected on the victory in Hungary and said: “I loved it.
“We always knew it was going to be a tough game but we had our plan and knew the style of football we wanted to play against them.
“We managed to execute it really well and it was a very good performance.
“It’s up there with one of my best performances for Celtic.
“To be fair, I think I’ve turned in a few good ones and they maybe sometimes go unnoticed a bit.
“I certainly enjoyed myself in the Ferencvaros one and I’m hoping for many more performances like that in the future.
“I didn’t realise I was the only player who’s been an ever-present in the side this season. A couple of games ago, one of the lads mentioned it to me.
“That’s great for me and one I love to have because the games are coming thick and fast. It feels like we’ve got a game every three days right now but that’s the dream of being a footballer, to be playing all the time and helping the team win.
“You can’t beat that feeling and I’m loving every minute of it under the manager. The football he has us playing is brilliant, to watch and play in.
“The biggest thing he’s passed on to me is about getting the ball back when things break down.
“He’s got us working our socks off and you get the rewards from it. You could see that on Thursday night.
“Tracking back is an aspect of the game that I would say I’ve been working hard on for a few years now.
“Even when I was at Motherwell it was an area I was focusing on.
“Since I’ve come to Celtic it’s something the coaches have tried to nail down with me, mentioning it every week. I’m doing OK on that front just now so I need to keep it going.”
Despite Turnbull ’s terrific form there’s no avoiding the excitement around Celtic’s attacking trio.
Kyogo Furuhashi has been a revelation, Liel Abada looks an outstanding prospect at just 20 and Postecoglou is making moves to tie up loan star Jota on a permanent deal.
Turnbull admits it’s a pleasure to play behind them.
He said: “They were very good in midweek. As a midfielder, it’s just brilliant to have them in front of you. They scored all in the game and two of them got an assist with Kyogo and Liel setting each other up.
“Their link-up play caused all sorts of problems for Ferencvaros’ defence and it’s great when you see your team-mates gelling so well.
“Kyogo is a joy to play alongside and we already have a great understanding on the pitch.
“When he runs in behind, I know to try to find him with a through ball.
“When he drops off, I know what he’s doing in terms of linking the play. He’s a great player and a really good finisher when he gets the ball in the right areas.
“I don’t know what other clubs were in for him in the summer but we’re really happy that he chose to come here because he’s been a great pick-up.”
After Dens Park today,
Turnbull will turn his attention to qualifying for a World Cup play-off with Scotland.
He’s now a regular in the squad after being picked for the
Euro f inals last summer and feels s e t t led in the national set- up alongside his Celtic sk ipp er Ca l lum
McGregor.
Turnbull said: “Going to Moldova on Friday we’re playing for a World
Cup play-off place which is an exciting prospect.
“We’re going into it off the back of a great run of four wins and we’re all looking forward to it. I feel established with Scotland.
“It’s great having
Callum there with me because he’s an a l l - round midfielder. We’re playing regularly with Celtic so the understanding continues even when you put on a different colou red shirt.”