DAVID TURNBULL savoured his first start for Celtic since December yesterday, saying that the months of rehab had all been worth it in order to enjoy moments like the win over Hearts that all-but clinched the Premiership title.
Turnbull started the season in fine form for Celtic, but was sidelined for an extended period after picking up a hamstring injury in the League Cup Final win over Hibernian in December.
He has come back into contention in time to savour Celtic’s title celebrations though, and he says that has made his return to first-team action all the sweeter.
“It’s been tough at times,” Turnbull said.
“Obviously after my injury in the cup final and I came back from that then I got another wee niggle with my ankle.
“So it’s been tough going, but I’ve been back in training and trying to get myself fully fit and training as best I can just for days like today.
“Today was brilliant; it was really good. All the boys are on the same wavelength. We know how we are going to play. It was a joy to be out there, just out on the grass again.
I was happy when I got named in the squad and was delighted. I feel the last few days in training I’ve stepped it up a level and tried to get my head in there and get in with an opportunity of playing and thankfully I did that.”
The emphatic win over Hearts caps off an incredible turnaround in Celtic’s fortunes since they lost at Tynecastle on the opening day of the season, but Turnbull says he always had faith that Ange Postecoglou and his players would come good.
“There was probably a bit more pressure after the first few games,” he said. “We all believed we should have won them and that we could go on a run. And knew we had to do that.
“That’s what we’ve done, and we’ve been great with 30 games unbeaten, and been terrific.
“It’s been great, it’s been a good season for everybody. Today’s result was massive and for us to go and get the three points it puts us in a good position and we’ll look forward to the games coming up.”
