Celtic signed promising midfielder David Turnbull in the summer transfer window from fellow Premiership club Motherwell.
It seems like Neil Lennon is slowly bringing him into the first team as the 21-year-old has featured four times for the Hoops this season, making just one start in that time, per Transfermarkt.
The youngster is seemingly viewed as a player for the future, but former Scotland manager Alex McLeish believes that he might get his big chance in the upcoming Old Firm derby.
Alex McLeish’s thoughts on Celtic’s David Turnbull
Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish said: “I really feel that Neil Lennon may unleash Turnbull. He’s another who, in recent weeks, he has upped his game. He looks very, very confident.
“Going into the big Old Firm derby is another step up, but it would be a surprise for me if Rogic starts.”
Tom Rogic also plays in midfield like Turnbull, so McLeish believes that the 21 year-old could come into replace the Australian for the crunch fixture.
Should Turnbull start for Celtic next week?
The youngster seems to be highly-rated following his move, not just by Celtic but also by his country as he has featured for Scotland’s under-21s three times, most recently against Lithuania last month.
Despite his young age, Turnbull has already featured in 41 senior games for Motherwell, per Transfermarkt. He provided a significant attacking threat at Fir Park as he netted 16 goals and provided seven assists. This highlights why Lennon brought him to Parkhead, and despite only playing four times for the Hoops so far, Turnbull has already registered an assist for the Scottish champions.
Should Turnbull start for Celtic against Glasgow Rangers?
Yes
No
Meanwhile, Rogic has only played once in the league this season and seems unlikely to start next week. Turnbull isn’t necessarily battling for a place with Rogic, but more with players like Olivier Ntcham and Ryan Christie. With Christie currently having to isolate for 14 days, Turnbull could be given a start and, with his experience at Motherwell and his attacking threat, there is no reason for Lennon to be hesitant to start him.
It will be interesting to see how the Hoops line up, and Turnbull could be something of a trump card, but so is no reason for Lennon not to give him a go in the derby.
Hoops fans, should Turnbull start in the derby? Let us know your views in the comments below!
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