The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Celtic midfielder keen to step up for Scotland as McLean is ruled out
Celtic’s David Turnbull has told Steve Clarke he is ready for a Euro 2020 call-up after the Scotland boss was hit by another blow to his midfield.
Norwich City’s former Aberdeen midfielder Kenny McLean won’t be involved in the delayed European Championship this summer after the knee injury he sustained in Saturday’s final Championship game of the season at Barnsley has ruled him out for three months.
Another former Don – Ryan Jack of Rangers – is also unavailable after he underwent an operation to fix a persistent calf problem.
Ahead of the penultimate Premiership game of the season at home to St Johnstone tonight, Turnbull, arguably Celtic’s best player this season after joining from Motherwell last August, was asked if he is ready to plug the gap in Clarke’s 26-man squad.
The Scotland under-21 midfielder said: “Of course, I would. I have played a lot of games this season and have been around the under-21s.
“Of course it is different going up to the senior level but I feel as if I am ready to do that, yes.
“Every young boy dreams of playing for Scotland and (after) qualifying for the first major finals in 20-plus years, it would be great and a dream come true. That’s what everybody looks to do.
“It is a shame for the boys who are injured, bad injuries at a bad time, so I feel for them.
“It opens up doors for
other players, whether it is me or other boys.
“Obviously I would be delighted if it was me but I will just need to wait and see. I go out there every week to try to impress.
“Whether he (Clarke) is watching or not, I will try to go out there and try to play the way I do every game and we will see what happens. Fingers are crossed.”
Interim Hoops boss John Kennedy is equally confident of 21-year-old Turnbull’s ability to step up to the senior Scotland squad.
He said: “I think he has shown he is ready to perform at that level. He has been terrific for us.
“Technically he is more than good enough to play at an elite level and he has improved his performances with us as the season has progressed.
“Whether Steve decides to take him or not will be his call but certainly from our side, we would give him all the backing and support. Is he ready? In my opinion he is.”