Andy Walker has told Sky Sports that David Turnbull is the Celtic player fans should watch out for this season, as the midfielder has ‘great potential’ if he can have an injury-free run.
Turnbull endured a frustrating record with fitness issues through Ange Postecoglou’s first campaign at the Parkhead helm last term. The 23-year-old only managed to start 35 of his 42 appearances from a potential 60 games in all competitions, after missing three months.
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Postecoglou had shown that Turnbull was one of his favoured options in the Bhoys’ engine room before he was forced off during the Premier Sports Cup final in December. He pulled up upon sustaining a severe hamstring injury after a run shortly before the half-hour mark.
Turnbull would not return to action until March, but only managed to start two of his next seven Premiership appearances. The five-cap Scotland international, who made his Tartan Army debut last June, did manage to score on the final day against Motherwell, however.
The strike took the Wishaw native to 10 goals in all competitions for the season and laid on eight assists. He also worked well to win possession and start attacks from midfield, as the Hoops won the 2021/22 Premiership title and lifted their 20th Scottish League Cup crown.
David Turnbull ‘can thrive’ for Celtic with injury-free season, says Andy Walker
Walker now backs Turnbull to be Celtic’s player to watch this season, ahead of starting the new Premiership term at home to Aberdeen on Sunday, July 31. But the former Bhoys star admits injuries may dictate the 2020 arrival from Motherwell for up to £3.25m’s campaign.
“He was injured for most of last season, but I like the look of this goalscoring midfielder,” Walker said. “I expect him – injury permitting – to be an important player for Celtic, and I also expect him to make more appearances for Scotland.
“I think he’s the type of player that can thrive under the management of Ange Postecoglou because he’s very much a team player, and he gets goals from the middle of the park and has great potential for both club and country.”
Postecoglou will hope Turnbull has now put his injury problems in the past for him to start the new campaign fully fit. Despite missing three months last term, the midfielder ranked fifth for goals and assists at Parkhead in all competitions last season with his 10 and eight.
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