David Turnbull declares himself "ready to start" for Celtic after long wait

By John McGinley

April 24, 2022

Celtic midfielder David Turnbull is eyeing an imminent return to Ange Postecoglou’s starting eleven after overcoming injury and fitness issues.

The former Motherwell man picked up a debilitating hamstring injury during the Scottish League Cup final in December and subsequently missed three months of action.

Having now appeared off the bench in Celtic’s last four games, he’s closing in on finally getting the nod from the manager once again.

Turnbull told The Scottish Sun: “It has been good to slowly but surely get back in and get some game time and I just want more of that now. I feel ready to start.

“I think I have been ready for a few weeks now but the team has been doing so well I have had to bide my time. I just need to take my chance when it comes.

“The injury was tough to take at the time but I did everything on time. I always expected to be back for the run-in and I have stayed on track with everything. I never feared my season was over.

“I believe in my own ability and the way I played and how involved I was at the start of the season was great. Things happen and now it is just about pushing to get back into the starting XI and doing the best I can when I am in there.”

It’s easy to forget now but Turnbull was a go-to selection pick for the manager prior to his injury. In fact, he featured in every single Celtic game up to and including the final he was injured in.

It seems likely he will get the start he’s looking for at some point in the final five games and it could even come today against Ross County.

Having a hungry, motivated player coming into the team looking to make his mark versus competition in the wider squad could be just what we need to freshen up the middle of the park.

I’m certainly not against it.

In other news, First start in 4 months, midfield refresh; Celtic Predicted XI vs Ross County.