Celtic POTY David Turnbull backed for huge comeback by former coach

By Euan Davidson

October 15, 2021

Struggling Celtic midfielder David Turnbull has the mental fortitude and technical ability to bounce back from some difficult displays.

That’s the opinion of his former coach at Motherwell, Keith Lasley. Turnbull, last season’s Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year, as well as the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year, has struggled thus far in 21-22.

Despite scoring a hat-trick against St Mirren [Sky Sports], Turnbull has found it difficult to repeat the form of his maiden campaign with Celtic. Alongside Tom Rogic, Turnbull has found it tough in an unbalanced Bhoys midfield.

However, Lasley believes he’s still one of the best young players in Scotland, and he has the mettle to get through a sticky patch.

He also quipped about Motherwell taking the Scotland international back. Lasley told the Herald:

“Listen, we’ll take him back if they don’t want him! We’re keeping the money though.

“I suppose it’s part and parcel of that step up and the scrutiny you expect at one of the Old Firm sides.

“David is still a young player, he’s still developing all the time. He’s still one of the best young players in the country.

“All players have to come through periods where they have to handle a little bit of stick, but one thing I do know is that David is very mentally strong, very level-headed with a very good family behind him.

“The strength he has shown to this point will stand him in good stead. It will anchor him almost, and make him appreciate what he does have and drive him to make the most of it.

“He’s well-equipped mentally to deal with that.”

David Turnbull can still be key for Celtic, and make no mistake

We know David Turnbull can be a vital player for Celtic. He showed plenty of evidence of that last season. You could argue he did it in far more testing circumstances, too.

For much of 20-21, he was the lone bright spark. He gave Celtic supporters something to hold onto amidst plenty of dreadful results and uninspired team performances.

You have to wonder where the Bhoys might’ve been without him last season, after a frustrating wait for first-team minutes.

Admittedly, it’s not been a vintage campaign for the ex-Motherwell man so far. But we’re only a handful of games in. Playing against his old side, at a packed Fir Park, might be just what he needs to get his spark back.

He’s already shown – as Lasley states – that he’s got immense mental fortitude. Coming back from the disappointment of not initially signing for Celtic, then showing the form that justified the Bhoys’ initial interest, really is something quite formidable.

A technically proficient and clever football, and one still so young, Turnbull has everything he needs to get firing again for Celtic.

He’s come through worse.

Read more: Chris Sutton on what Celtic boss Postecoglou has to avoid from Lennon tenure