Celtic will attempt to bounce back from the disastrous Wednesday night Champions League exit to Ferncvaros as we entertain Motherwell tomorrow for a 3pm kick-off at Celtic Park.
On Thursday morning we got some good news with the long awaited signing of David Turnbull for £3 million from the very team we’ll be hosting tomorrow.
Turnbull of course spent pretty much all of last season on the sidelines after his move to Celtic collapsed last summer due to a potentially career threatening knee issue coming to light during his medical.
His return to fitness has been a long and patient one and it was common knowledge that Celtic were tracking his recovery with a likelihood that if he did return to fitness and subsequent form that we’d be back in for him.
Whilst he did return for a few games last February this term he’s started all five league games for Motherwell scoring one goal.
Of course he came to prominence the season before last with an impressive 15 goals in 31 games.
Scottish football commentator Michael Stewart claims he’s the next Michael Ballack and whilst I’ll reserve judgement on that for a few seasons at least I’d be happy if he’s even half the player the former German internationalist was.
I see absolutely no reason why he shouldn’t be going straight into the first team tomorrow considering that he’s definitely match fit and the team will be looking for some inspiration after Tuesday nights performance but in saying that considering some of Neil Lennon’s recent selection choices plus his pretty abysmal record of fielding new signings – ie: Jullien and Boli Bolingoli after they first signed plus Soro and Klimala to this day -I’d be genuinely surprised if he does start.
You can only hope Lenny doesn’t double down and persist with playing Ryan Christie up front again on his own.
As for Motherwell they’ve had a poor start to the season with no wins and three defeats in five league matches so far.
Their last league match saw them lose a game they dominated with a 1-0 loss via a late goal at home to Hamilton Accies in the Lanarkshire derby last Saturday.
They did get a pick-up during the week with a 5-1 hammering of Northern Ireland’s Glentoran in the 1st Qualifying round of the Europa League on Thursday night though the Ulster side were actually holding their own up until having a man sent off early in the second half.
Squad wise they’ve been able to keep the team together which finished third last season minus of course Turnbull and have added some genuine quality in Stephen O’Donnell – albeit on a short term contract – who scored a 30 yard rocket on Thursday, midfielder Mark O’Hara and winger Jake Hastie on loan from Rangers.
They compliment a decent squad that includes talent such as Northern Ireland keeper Trevor Carson, Scotland internationalist centre back Declan Gallagher, Norhern Irish cap Liam Donnelly, Scotland under-21 regular Allan Campbell who will likely be their next big sale and former Celtic striker Tony Watt.
Manager Stephen Robinson has had his charges play both combative and expansive football during his three and half years in charge which has seen him triumph in 67 of 152 games for an impressive 44.1 % win percentage.
Loads of questions then such as will Turnbull start? Will Lennon play a striker? Will Odsonne Edouard make the bench? Not to mention a whole lot more as you wonder if Motherwell will be emboldened after their midweek goal fest to go after a wounded Celtic or will they sit in a frustrate.
At this stage I’d just take a decent performance and three points.
For now let’s check out some of Turnbull’s form which I’m sure he’ll replicate for Celtic given the opportunity.
....Always A Tim! 