Opinion: Can Celtic star recapture excellent form after long lay-off?

It was interesting to see that David Turnbull made his first Celtic start of 2022 in the recent 4-1 win over Hearts.

The midfielder had been one of Celtic’s best players in the first-half of the season, weighing in with nine goals, before he suffered a long-term injury in December’s Premier Sports Cup Final.

He made his return off the bench against Ross County back in March, and had not yet started for the Hoops until he was selected by Ange Postecoglou against Hearts. 

The 22-year-old had a decent enough game for the Bhoys until he was replaced in the 64th minute. Turnbull still looked a bit rusty after being out of action for so long, and it remains to be seen if he will keep his place in the side against Dundee United on Wednesday night, or perhaps Reo Hatate will return to the Hoops side.

It is a shame for Turnbull that he suffered the injury, as he had been a mainstay under Ange Postecoglou before his long lay-off. It is a positive sign though that as soon as he was back to full fitness, the Celtic boss had Turnbull back in the squad, although it does make sense that he has taken his time with returning the player back into the starting line-up.

The big test for Turnbull will be next season, and if he can recapture the form he showed for the Bhoys before he got injured. The good news is that when Celtic return to pre-season training before next season, Turnbull should be fully fit, and that could allow him to return to the first-team when the Hoops are back in action for the start of next season.

You have to think that if Turnbull can stay fit next season he will be given chances by Ange Postecoglou to make a first-team place his own, as he was an ever present in the Celtic side this season before his injury.

Celtic