David Turnbull addresses Celtic waiting game as midfielder opens up on 'a lot of bodies' battling for starting spot

It didn’t take long for the door to open for David Turnbull. One week in and, bang, the Scot has been presented with a chance to reclaim his place in Celtic’s midfield.

Then again, competition for places in Ange Postecoglou’s side is as fierce as it has ever been so Turnbull knows if he gets the chance to replace Reo Hatate in Dingwall today, then he’ll have to grab it with both hands – and not let go. The Scotland star came off the bench for the opening-day win over Aberdeen and is now hoping he has done enough in training to force his way into the starting 11. An injury to Hatate means Postecoglou will need to mix up his team and there is likely to be a vacant slot Turnbull is keen to fill against Ross County.

He admitted: “Last week I felt I came on and I had to try to make an impact in the game, as you do every week. Whether it’s starting or on the bench you just have to go out and give 100 per cent. I will do that.” Postecoglou has added Aaron Mooy, Alexandro Bernabei, Benji Siegrist and Moritz Jenz to the squad that lifted the title last season.

Turnbull knows there is a real strength and depth in the Celtic squad and that is helping to push up standards from within.

He said: “Yes, there are a lot of bodies and there is good competition. Everyone who has come in has made a difference and added to the team.

“That can only go well for everyone else. It steps up the levels in training and in games. It’s good. A club like Celtic is a huge club and you know you’re going to face competition.

“Everyone knows that, whoever comes here. There are great players all around us and it’s just about working hard together as a team and trying to push your way in there.”

Turnbull and Celtic are well aware of the importance of