“He’s a terrific footballer”; Peter Grant impressed with Celtic fringe player’s preseason form

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It has to be said, one of the most impressive parts of this preseason is how some players seem to have instantly improved under the new manager, Brendan Rodgers.

From the Japan Tour, we saw Daizen Maeda become an almost instant clinical striker after his hat trick against Yokohama F Marinos.

We also saw David Turnbull make an appearance against Yokohama and give Brendan Rodgers some food for thought after a wonderful long-range goal.

And former Celtic hero, Peter Grant, is hoping that Turnbull will get his chance this season under the new Celtic gaffer after another good performance, and goal, against Athletic Club in James Forrest’s testimonial.

Speaking on commentary on Celtic TV, Grant said, “The times I’ve seen David in pre-season I thought he’s done well.

“It could end up being a big season for him. We spoke about James Forrest before when Brendan came in the last time [how Forrest improved], maybe he’ll [Turnbull] get more opportunities under Brendan.

“And as I say, one thing he’s got going for him is he’s got a great goal-scoring record for Celtic.

“But he’s a very, very good footballer. He’s a terrific footballer.”

Turnbull is out of contract at the end of the coming season and regular readers will know that I have been championing the Celtic midfielder for a new deal.

We know what Turnbull is capable of when he is given a chance in the team. He won Celtic’s Player and Young Player of the Year in 2021 and at the beginning of Ange Postecoglou’s rein, Turnbull was one of the first picks on the team sheet.

He was performing well for Celtic until a hamstring injury forced him out and by the time he was fit enough, the form of Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate meant he had to wait for some game time.

All Turnbull can do is maximise the opportunities he gets under Rodgers. I think he has done that. All we need to know now is has he done enough to convince the Celtic boss that he could be a part of his plans moving forward? I think he has.

In other news, Athletic Club send classy message to Celtic after defeat at Paradise