‘Other options’: £14k-a-week ace shares what Ange Postecoglou has noticed at Celtic

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David Turnbull has shared how Ange Postecoglou has noticed his tendency to shoot when there are other options available since becoming Celtic manager, via the Glasgow Times.

Postecoglou took to the Parkhead helm this summer and has overcome a shaky start at the Premiership outfit. The Bhoys are unbeaten in their last five games and can move atop the table by beating Livingston on Saturday.

Turnbull has started Celtic’s 11 league fixtures so far this term and played every minute of their last seven. He also provided two assists in their 3-1 win over Hibernian in midweek, to add to his assist against Aberdeen.

Additionally, the £14k-a-week midfielder has scored four goals, thanks to a hat-trick against St Mirren in August. But Postecoglou is not shy to tell Turnbull how he can take his game to a higher level at Celtic.

“The manager knows I like to have a go from long range, but sometimes there’s a better pass on and he’ll tell me that after games,” Turnbull said. “He doesn’t try to take that out of my game, but he’ll explain that there are other options and try to help me.

“Everyone knows I enjoy adding goals to my game and that’s something I’ve tried to do ever since I was a young boy. I like to help the team out by scoring and creating chances, so it’s good to chip in with a few.

“I haven’t really set myself any targets, although there’s always a figure I look towards and once I get there, it’s just about scoring as many as I can. But I don’t feel that I need to get to a certain number.”

Is Postecoglou unlocking the best of Turnbull at Celtic?

Postecoglou will hope that his instant advice after Celtic’s fixtures helps Turnbull unlock even more from his game. The 22-year-old delivered an influential role against Hibs on Wednesday, but his output has been inconsistent this season.

After netting a hat-trick against St Mirren in match three of the campaign, he then went five games without scoring. His assist against Aberdeen in match eight also marked the three-cap Scotland international’s first of the term so far.

Turnbull has also struggled to deliver a consistent end product in Celtic’s cup fixtures under Postecoglou. Scoring twice and laying on two assists across nine European ties – including Europa and Champions League qualifiers. He also has one goal in two League Cup matches.