Turnbull exploits impress Celtic supporters on rough night

By David Walton

January 11, 2021

Celtic and Hibernian slugged it out to a 1-1 draw this evening, with David Turnbull turning it on again.

Turnbull was given a central role tonight in terms of his position and responsibility. When Celtic supporters saw the starting line-up, Turnbull would’ve been the name that excited them.

In fairness, the Hoops started with a host of senior players. The likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Shane Duffy, Diego Laxalt, Callum McGregor, Turnbull, and Ismaila Soro were all selected from the beginning.

However, David was the man who stepped up when Celtic needed him to. With just under 10 minutes remaining, the midfielder won and scored a terrific free-kick just outside the penalty area. It should’ve proved to be the winner but for a late equaliser from Kevin Nisbet in added time.

Outside of that stunning moment, our best chance of a goal was through quick accurate passing outside the penalty area. That’s where Turnbull was given big responsibility in the main tonight.

Celtic vs Hibernian looked ominous; Turnbull should’ve been the difference

He came close to an opener early on with a rasping drive from 25 yards. After that, he was central to similar efforts from Ismaila Soro and Diego Laxalt. These openings all came from Turnbull trying to take the initiative and using his drive to open up some space.

Granted, his influence waned a touch in the second half before his goal. You could sense the former Motherwell man was tiring. Even so, it looked as though his influence was dropping. Until his colossal moment as he bagged another heroic goal. Just a shame it didn’t prove to be the winner.

David Turnbull scores for Celtic (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

And it’s a sign of how far Turnbull’s come. Just over a month ago he was barely getting a look-in at Celtic. Now he’s being given the responsibility of ensuring we have a goal threat from the midfield.

It was always going to be difficult for anyone to really shine tonight. Hibs are a solid outfit, and always tend to turn up against the Hoops. Given the week of controversy the club has had and the players missing tonight. It was a decent effort from many out there given the circumstances.

And, not for the first time, Turnbull has taken plenty of plaudits for his own display:

https://twitter.com/CelticFC_Talk/status/1348730993855836160

https://twitter.com/aboutceltic/status/1348729224937484299

https://twitter.com/whitisthecraic/status/1348730645472817153

In other news, Gavin Strachan cleared up the Shane Duffy situation pre-match.