'Big boost' - Celtic star's long-awaited return 'brings everyone up to a better level'

David Turnbull's introduction as a late substitute in the 4-0 win over Ross County drew one of the loudest cheers of an afternoon where Celtic extended their unbeaten domestic run to 31 matches.

The midfielder's 74th minute arrival marked his long-awaited comeback following three months out with a hamstring tear picked up in the Premier Sports Cup final win over Hibs in December.

Having been a virtual ever-present across the first half of the campaign, the 22-year-old now returns to find increased competition in the midfield area provided by January acquisitions Reo Hatate and Matt O'Riley.

But with nine goals and seven assists across his 37 appearances this season prior to his injury, an attacking contribution only bettered by Kyogo Furuhashi at the club, his return could prove a timely one for Celtic in the title run-in.

That is certainly the assessment of his Scotland team-mate Greg Taylor.

"It’s another big boost to have David back," said the Celtic left-back. "He’s a goal threat from midfield, we’re incredibly strong in there.

"But that’s what you want because it brings everyone up to a better level.

"Hopefully David can go on and contribute the way he was at the start of the season.

"He’s a good friend of mine as well so I try and keep his spirits high when he was down and he’s reacted really well and put in the work.

"He deserves everything he gets. We knew each other from the 21s briefly but once you become club team-mates you get that wee bit closer and he’s a top player and a top friend.

"I’m sure having a full Celtic Park to come back to, it’s been a long hard road but that’s why you do the work in your rehab.

"I was really pleased for him as all the lads were. It was a nice game for him to come on."

The win