Celtic attacking midfielder David Turnbull scored his fifth goal of the season as the Hoops eased to a 4-1 victory over St Johnstone at the weekend.
The 23-year-old sealed the win with the fourth of the afternoon, after a layoff from Matt O’Riley following a free kick, smashing the ball low and hard past keeper Remi Matthews.
Turnbull was only on the pitch the best part of ten minutes, and he has not been afforded a lot of playing time by manager Ange Postecoglou this campaign. Fans on Twitter are divided over whether he deserves more opportunities:
He’s a quality player. I feel he must be frustrated but who does Ange drop?
— Jonny Lavin (@JonnyLavn) February 6, 2023
His stats per mins are outstanding. As much as I think the others are overall better players, his goals and assists are hard to ignore
— Chicos other mate (@ChicosOtherMate) February 5, 2023
An SPL player, will always have a place in the squad but is never a starter.
— Notorious Larry Duff (@Comic_Hobo) February 5, 2023
He does what no other playing does & that’s shoot from distance – others should try it
— JB 🏴 🤝 🇺🇦 (@stgriswalds) February 6, 2023
Who is replacing?
— Hunbelievable (@letyerclubdie) February 5, 2023
Until he improves so many other areas of his game, he will start in lesser games and will continue to be one of the 1st subs
— Martyn Reid (@MartynReid) February 5, 2023
More of a goal threat from the subs bench than he is as a starter.
Although I’d probably give Hatate a wee rest— Big C L (@BigCL81) February 6, 2023
Considering he has only started six league matches this season, Turnbull has been pretty impressive, racking up four league goals and four assists.
The 23-year-old does have only eighteen months left on his contract and, while talks are underway over an extension, he is unlikely to be pleased with his minutes on the pitch.
With the likes of Aaron Mooy, Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley also vying for starts, though, Turnbull may have to knuckle down and take his chances where he can.