Celtic midfielder David Turnbull can feel a little hard done by. Certainly, you’d forgive him for feeling a bit sorry for himself.
The ex-Motherwell man seemed a shoo-in for international selection. The Scotland U-21 star has scored 7 and set up 5 in 30 Premiership games this season [Transfermarkt]. However, Steve Clarke went in another direction.
Turnbull still has plenty to do to impress the Scotland boss, it seems. That’ll be part of his mission as the season nears its end.
His main focus, though, is on improving Celtic in front of goal. After the goalless draw with Dundee United [BBC], Celtic have only managed 4 strikes in 5 games, and Turnbull has stressed that the Bhoys have been working hard on putting the ball in the net during training.
Speaking to assorted journalists today, Turnbull said [Celtic FC YouTube]:
“I’d say it’s [not being] clinical enough. We’ve been creating a lot of chances, especially in the last game against Dundee United. I felt we created loads and we couldn’t seem to get that goal.
“It’s something we’ve been working on, putting the ball in the net. Hopefully we can do a lot more towards the end of the season.”
Celtic midfielder David Turnbull isn’t taking Scotland snub too personally, focused on domestic duty
Asked how he felt about not being selected for Scotland’s next round of fixtures, Turnbull said:
“It was disappointing, but I just need to kinda work hard now, push and show what I can do. It’s the manager’s decision so you just need to get on with it and respect whatever he does. But it gives me motivation to work harder and push for a place, aye.
“The Scottish FA contacted me in the morning and said it was unfortunate. Just got to take that one on the chin, work hard and keep doing what I’m doing.”
It’s a mature attitude from the 21-year-old. Surely soon, the Wishaw-born number 10 will break into the national team. When he does, his ability can keep him there for over a decade. With a generation of midfielders coming into prominence, like Ryan Gauld, Scott McTominay, John McGinn and Billy Gilmour, Scotland’s future is bright in the middle of the park.
Undoubtedly, Turnbull will be part of that. If he can keep his sky-high standards up and help Celtic to restore some pride, his time will come.
For now though, it’s goals that are on the agenda. Working the ball into the box has got to be the priority for the Bhoys.
The hard work starts on Sunday.
READ MORE: Celtic send out the correct message after last night’s events.
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