The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Robinson plays it coy over Turnbull’s Fir Park future
Stephen Robinson admits he has no idea if Celtic target David Turnbull will still be a Motherwell player by the time his side kick off their Europa League campaign tonight.
The Scotland Under21 international did not train with his Fir Park team-mates as they put in their final preparations for facing opening qualifying opponents Glentoran.
Hoops boss Neil Lennon confirmed on Tuesday that the clubs had re-entered negotiations as they look to resurrect the £3 million deal they first agreed last year.
But Robinson was playing it coy as he met the media ahead of his side’s showdown with the Irish Cup winners.
Asked if Turnbull would be involved against Glentoran, the Steelmen manager replied: “I’m not sure at this stage. I’ve no idea where we’re at right now.”
Robinson was clearer on how much Turnbull is worth to his side but insists his side can cope without their main creative spark, despite failing to win any of their first five Scottish
Premiership fixtures so far this season.
He said: “I don’t get involved in the money side – but if he was valued at £3m last time he’s certainly a £3m player in my eyes.
“As a player, not just to me, David is a top, top talent and one of the best I believe Scotland will have ever produced.
“I make no mistake, David Turnbull is a topclass footballer, but that is the model at Motherwell. That’s how we survive.
“We develop players and we sell players every single year.”