Tam McManus has backed David Turnbull to earn a new contract under Brendan Rodgers at Celtic, with his current deal expiring next summer.
The 24-year-old has returned to Celtic’s first XI in recent weeks because of Reo Hatate’s injury, and given that the Japan star might be out for a while, then this is David Turnbull’s chance to shine.
As of this moment, he is doing that after scoring in back-to-back Premiership games against St Mirren and Ross County recently – James Forrest also got on the scoresheet at the weekend and was backed to get a ‘statue’.
But with David Turnbull trying to secure that long-term contract, not only does Tam McManus think it should happen, but he has a feeling that it will if he continues to perform, as he told PLZ Soccer.
One thing is for sure, the five-cap Scotland star isn’t going to be shy of minutes in these coming weeks and he has a chance to impress Brendan Rodgers even further.
The signs so far are pretty positive, as Tam McManus rightfully pointed out his ability from the edge of the area could be very useful when teams sit back against Celtic.
David Turnbull’s Celtic contract
“I think he is out of contract,” said McManus. “I don’t think Celtic have offered him, as of yet, could be wrong.
“But I think he has got plenty to offer. He is someone who can strike it from the edge of the box. When teams are deep, there isn’t a lot of space in-behind. He can score a goal from the edge of the box.
“I am absolutely certain if he does leave Celtic on a free, then there will be teams in England who would take him. He is good for double figures every season, David Turnbull. Terrific technique and a great finisher.
“I think he is someone Celtic should be looking to keep hold of, if I am totally honest. He is something different from what they have got – if he can stay in the team now and keep scoring goals, then he might just get a new deal at Celtic.”
Celtic should offer David Turnbull a new deal
Injuries haven’t helped the former Motherwell star, who would have hoped to explode a lot more than he has done on the Celtic scene.
But these next few months are very crucial for the player, if he goes from strength to strength, then put the contract down on the table.
If those in the Celtic boardroom, from a financial perspective, can use that money elsewhere and there are bigger and better options, then it would be a risk worth taking.
And whilst Turnbull isn’t of the quality of Reo Hatate when the duo are in full flow, perhaps this is his chance to shine and change all of that.
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