McLeish Exclusive: McFadden has been raving to me about barely-seen Celtic player
Alex McLeish has tipped new signing David Turnbull to compete for a Celtic starting role after a glowing appraisal from James McFadden.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former Scotland manager has revealed that his former number two’s rave reviews suggest the 20-year-old will make waves among the Hoops’ squad.
Turnbull completed his move from Motherwell earlier this summer after he saw a transfer to Celtic collapse last year due to a knee injury which required surgery.
He is yet to start for Neil Lennon, although he did come off the bench for 13 minutes in the win over Ross County.
McLeish believes that Turnbull will be raring to make his mark in Glasgow as soon as possible and suggests he has the mental strength to compete for regular playing time.
McLeish told Football Insider: “Turnbull coming into the scene as well will be very keen to make an impact. James McFadden tells me – and James knows all the Motherwell guys – that he’s got a very level head and he’s very confident in himself.
“When you hear that, you would reckon that he would go in there and show his mettle, show that any challenge, even from the older, experienced guys, he’s going to take their place.
“That’s the challenge to young Turnbull. He’s certainly looked the part with Motherwell, can he step up with the massive expectations at a club who have got to win every week?”
Turnbull only played twice last season after he underwent surgery on his knee injury shortly after his move to Celtic collapsed.
He started all five of Motherwell’s opening league games this term before joining the Hoops.
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