Celtic midfielder David Turnbull had to learn quickly after arriving at Paradise last summer.
Having seen a move collapse at the last minute back in 2019 [BBC], the ex-Motherwell man has since become a favourite. Winning Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year takes some doing, after all [Celtic FC].
Still just 22, the Scotland midfielder had a full season working with former Bhoys skipper Scott Brown. Now, just like the rest of his colleagues, he faces a step into the unknown. Our famous number 8 has gone to Aberdeen, and with him, a leadership contests of sorts has opened up.
Speaking to 67 Hail Hail and assembled Celtic fan media today, Turnbull was asked who held the most influence in the dressing room.
His answer dropped a big clue about who’s likely to be wearing the armband when our first Champions League qualifier rolls around. Turnbull said:
“There’s a few boys always at the front and stuff, making sure they get the best out of the players. Senior players, who have been here for a while as well.
“But at the front all the time is Callum McGregor. Coming from what he’s achieved, what he’s done in the game, he’s [taken] up that role for the time being.”
Celtic midfielder David Turnbull on “happy and friendly” Ange Postecoglou
Turnbull, like the rest of his Scotland colleagues from Euro 2020, arrived to Celtic’s training camp late. Having had a sufficient rest, the former Steelmen midfielder had some catching up to do.
Part of that was meeting the new gaffer. Having emerged under the stewardship of Neil Lennon, Turnbull could be one of few who might worry about how a new manager might affect his time at Celtic. After all, Turnbull ended up being a sure-fire pick under the ex-Bhoys boss.
However, he shouldn’t have to worry too much about his place in the team, and he told 67 Hail Hail that he’d enjoyed a brief chat with Ange Postecoglou. Turnbull said:
“When I first arrived [after Euro 2020] I had a small conversation with him. But he’s a very good guy on the training pitch, and off the pitch he’s very happy and friendly.
“He’s been good to work with, implementing his own ideas and getting everybody to work to 100% every day. It’s been great so far.”
We’ll take “great so far” any day of the week.
With the experience of a major tournament, and the momentum of being an award-winner at Celtic, Turnbull will be expected to get going again in 21-22 under the energetic, attacking new regime of Ange Postecoglou.
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