Derek McInnes was left to rue a ‘fantastic’ David Turnbull goal as Aberdeen were narrowly defeated by Scottish Premiership rivals Celtic on Wednesday night, while speaking to the Dons’ official website.
In a miserable season on and off the pitch for the Hoops, a £3.25 million midfielder signed from Motherwell has shone like a beacon.
Since belatedly forcing his way into Neil Lennon’s starting XI in late-2020, the gifted Turnbull has produced six assists and a further seven goals – a tally bettered only by Odsonne Edouard and Moi Elyounoussi.
The Scotland U21 international was the difference once again as Celtic defeated Aberdeen 1-0 at Parkhead, firing home in typically emphatic style from the edge of the box.
And McInnes believes that, if it wasn’t for Turnbull’s moment of magic, The Dons might have moved to within touching distance of third-placed Hibernian on Wednesday.
“We looked a good side tonight against a Celtic team that has been doing very well of late, one with good technical players, guys who only need half a yard to make something happen,” said McInnes, whose side are still stuck in fourth spot after failing to score in six successive league games.
“You have to have courage to not only stop them but to go and play your own game and I thought we did that tonight, we were brave. That’s very encouraging. What we need to do now is keep playing the same good stuff that we saw tonight in every game to the end of the season.
“Over the 90 minutes, there was one lapse in concentration on the press to allow McGregor to bring the ball out and from there, Turnbull punished us with a fantastic strike from a good young player.
“For all Celtic’s possession, we still had the best chances.”
Another superb Turnbull display must feel a little bittersweet for Celtic supporters, however.
Where would the Hoops be if Lennon had not waited until December to thrust him into the team? In the Europa League knock-outs? A few points closer to runaway leaders Rangers?
Better late than never, at least.
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