Ex-Celtic striker Chris Sutton says David Turnbull has some work to do to get into the good books of manager Brendan Rodgers.

Despite starting and scoring in the 3-0 win over Ross County, Sutton has raised doubts about Turnbull’s long-term future at Celtic Park:

“He has a chance again today to really stake a claim and get himself in a position that when everybody is fit, then, you know, Brendan actually trusts. So it’s up to David Turnbull.”

“It’ll be interesting to see after this season whether his future is at Celtic, but at this moment it is in his hands, perform well and then put that thought in the manager’s mind that I trust you. I don’t think Brendan trusts him totally at this moment in time.”

Turnbull has to find some consistency in his game

During his three years with the Hoops, Turnbull has scored and created his fair share of goals. On the face of it, 51 goal contributions in 124 appearances is a very decent record. 4 goals in 8 games this season is also a great return.

However, there is no doubt that Turnbull’s all-round game cannot match the player he is deputising for, Reo Hatate. To become someone that Rodgers can trust as a regular starter, he needs to be more consistent across the full 90 minutes.

Rodgers may be prepared to give him a good run in the Celtic team

While Sutton believes the player doesn’t have the full trust of the manager, it should be pointed out that Turnbull has started 7 of the first 11 league games.

Although some of that is down to Hatate being injured, it still demonstrates that Rodgers is willing to give the midfielder a substantial amount of game time. It is now up to Turnbull to make the most of his opportunities between now and the New Year.