Being a Celtic player has many ups and downs. The best part is that when things are going well, players at the club are heralded as heroes.
But if they are not, then criticism will come and with the size of Celtic and their fanbase, it comes like a tidal wave.
It’s part and parcel of being a footballer at Celtic but the criticism that David Turnbull is getting is confusing Mark Wilson.
The former Celtic defender was commenting on the 24-year-old midfielder’s goal against Ross County when he launched to his defence from the chiding he has been getting from the Hoops fans.
Wilson said [Clyde SSB], “On Turnbull, he is terrific at that.
“Terrific at hitting the target. For any young midfielder, wanting to practice shooting, you look at that guy because doesn’t just come coincidentally.
“He’ll that practise every day in training that. He’s up to five goals for the season. This is a guy who is getting criticised every week.
“That’s the same as Kyogo. He is one behind O’Riley. So his return’s good and he has equalled his return from last year.
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“He only had five goals actually. But when you look at the previous couple of seasons, he’s got to that ten-figure that you would want your midfielders to get to.
“So he’s well on track. And again, I can’t understand the stick he gets when he produces moments like that.”
David Turnbull must do more at Celtic
I’ve said this repeatedly on TBR Celtic. I’m a fan of Turnbull but as one of the midfield creators in the team, he needs to contribute more than just goals.
So far this season, in ten appearances, the Scotland international has yet to contribute a single assist. When you compare that to Matt O’Riley who has scored six and created five, it’s clear where Turnbull needs to improve.
Many might say that it’s unfair to compare both these players but the point is, that’s the level Turnbull needs to get to.
Too often he fails to contribute in large parts of the games that he is involved and whilst it’s great he’s scoring, Brendan Rodgers demands more than that from his players.
Just look at how Kyogo Furhashi has adapted his game. The Japanese striker comes deep to help open up gaps for the team, not just to score for himself.
This was abundantly clear when the 28-year-old dragged St Mirren defenders out to allow Odin Thiago Holm and Hyeongyu Oh in to score Celtic’s winner on Wednesday night.
I’ll say it again for the avoidance of doubt, I genuinely hope Turnbull makes it at Celtic. He has got something to offer Brendan Rodgers. Let’s hope with more minutes he can show what he can do to earn a new contract at the club.
In other news,