A TEARFUL David Turnbull lasted only 27 minutes before limping off with a hamstring strain in the Premier Sports League Cup Final against Hibs yesterday.
The Scotland international playmaker looked distraught when it became obvious he could take no further part in Celtic’s 2-1 triumph as Ange Postecoglou claimed the first piece of silverware six months after his arrival.
Turnbull watched an eventful second-half among the Hoops substitutes as Kyogo Furuhashi struck just 71 seconds after Paul Hanlon’s 50th-minute opener for the Easter Road club.
GAME OVER…David Turnbull grimaces as Hibs midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes prepares to launch the ball downfield in the 27th minute.
The Japanese hitman, already a firm favourite with the Parkhead faithful following his £4.6million switch from the J-League in late July, lobbed in the winner in the 72nd minute and Turnbull joined in the Hampden din with his own rousing applause.
However, he now faces a spell on the sideline after starting every domestic game for the Hoops this season. He is out of the Wednesday trip to Paisley to take on St Mirren and will struggle for the match against St Johnstone in Perth on Sunday.
Filipe Jota has already been sidelined for the last five games after pulling up in the 1-0 Premiership win over Hearts at Parkhead at the start of the month. Albian Ajeti was similarly afflicted in the 3-2 victory over Real Betis and Giorgos Giakmoumakis has also been absent with a knee problem.
DOWN AND OUT…Kyogo Furuhashi comforts stricken team-mate Turnbull as the midfielder receives treatment from a Celtic medic.
Ange Postecoglou revealed the latest injury setback to the team was down to fatigue.
The Greek-Australian gaffer, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “David suffered from the amount of games we are playing at the moment.
“We have not been able to rotate the squad a lot and that is hurting us at the moment, picking up these injuries. We will just see how he is.”
Ironically, two-goal hero Kyogo was doubtful for the Hampden showpiece with a hamstring problem right up until kick-off.
Thankfully, the Japanese attacker wasn’t hindered as he hoisted his goal tally to 16 with his double salvo against the Edinburgh club.
HERE WE KYOGO AGAIN – NORMAL SERVICE IS RESUMED
