Celtic star Reo Hatate facing extended spell on sidelines after what pundit has seen
Reo Hatate will now have to fight for his place in the starting lineup at Celtic.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Rangers defender Alan Hutton insisted Turnbull will be nailed on to start under Brendan Rodgers.
The 24-year-old was in the starting lineup for Saturday’s (5 August) 4-2 win over Ross County and netted two goals.
Hatate was named on the bench but replaced Turnbull for the final 20 minutes of the fixture.
The Japan international had been a firm favourite under former manager Ange Postecoglou but after Turnbull’s impressive pre-season has been dropped to the bench.
Turnbull last started a league game for the Hoops in November 2022 which was also against Ross County.
When asked if he was surprised to see the Scot back in the starting lineup, Hutton told Football Insider: “I was initially, I thought Hatate would be a stick on to play.
“I know Turnbull has had a good pre-season. The thing I like about it is that Brendan Rodgers has obviously been analysing his full squad and he has stuck by him after that good pre-season.
“He has had faith in him and Turnbull has repaid him with two goals and a really good performance. How can he leave him out now?
“The ball is in Hatate’s court to come out and show he is better than what is already there and they need competition and people fighting for places.“
In other news, defender granted permission to complete Celtic move and undergo medical.