DAVID TURNBULL makes his first start for Celtic this year as he replaces Reo Hatate in midfield for the noon showdown with Hearts at Parkhead today.
The Scotland international is the only change from the starting line-up in last weekend’s 1-1 derby draw.
Turnbull has not started since sustaining a hamstring injury in the 2-1 Premier Sports League Cup Final win over Hibs on December 19.
OUCH…David Turnbull feels his hamstring strain as he prepares to be replaced in Celtic’s 2-1 Premier Sports League Cup triumph over Hibs six days before Christmas – his last start for the team.
Hatate will take his place on the substitutes’ bench, but could still have a part to play in the match where Celtic know a win will push them nine points ahead with only two games to go with the title all but assured.
TEAM: Hart; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor; O’Riley, McGregor, Turnbull; Jota, Kyogo, Maeda. Subs: Bain, Bitton, Giakoumakis, Abada, McCarthy, Rogic, Hatate, Forrest and Welsh.
Next up for for the champions-in-waiting is the midweek trip to take on Dundee United at Tannadice, a venue where the visitors have enjoyed two 3-0 victories this season – in the league in December when Tom Rogic, Turnbull and Liam Scales scored and again in the Scottish Cup in March when Callum McGregor and Giorgos Giakoumakis (2) were the marksmen.
The curtain will come down on an enthralling campaign a week today when Motherwell provide the opposition in front of a rocking Celtic Park.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v Hearts at Parkhead this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
