‘OVERNIGHT SENSATION’ TURNBULL – AFTER FOUR MONTHS

DAVID TURNBULL became an overnight sensation at Celtic last night – almost FOUR MONTHS after joining the club in a £2.5million switch from Motherwell.

The skilful midfielder made only his second start for the Hoops in the 3-2 victory over Lille in the farewell match following a wretched campaign in Europa League Group H.

After four defeats against AC Milan and Sparta Prague, walloped home and away by the Italians and Czechs, and a draw in France, the curtain came down in a rousing performance against the French aces who went into this game with a record of just one loss this season.

However, Turnbull took centre stage with a superb performance that had manager Neil Lennon purring at the end of an eventful evening in the east end of Glasgow.

And the display has almost certainly gained the former Fir Park prospect a starting place in the line-up for the visit of Kilmarnock on Sunday.

The Scotland Under-21 international was involved in the earlier goals for Christopher Jullien and Callum McGregor (pen) before he claimed what turned out to be the winner 15 minutes from time.

Turnbull, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “The goal means everything for me and my family.

“I was delighted to get the start and I just wanted to play as well as possible. To top it off with a goal, I’m buzzing.

“It feels amazing to score, assist and play a part in the other goal.

“The boys wanted to help the club out in a sticky period and I am sure we will kick on now. We just need to keep it going.

“Hopefully, it’s a turning point and it gives us momentum going into Sunday. We want to perform well and get the result. You never know what can happen.

“It’s been tough on the bench, but you just need to work hard and do your best when you come in.

“You need to trust the process, bide your time and the chance will come.

“I am 100 per cent fit. I am back from the Covid and I feel sharper every day.

“It was just one of those things with Covid. I tried not to think about it too much.

“I feel like I can kick on now. I feel as if I played well tonight and every game I go into I try to do the same – create chances and score goals for the team.

“It’s obviously a huge result off the back of the last few weeks. And against a great side in Europe it’s going to help any team going into the weekend.

“It’s a massive win for us and we just have to take that into Sunday.”

Turnbull also spoke in support of under-fire boss Lennon who was dogged in his determination to bring him to the champions.

He added: “We are 100 per cent behind the manager. That showed it on this occasion.

“We were fighting for every ball and showed we are right behind the manager.

”The lads who came in were brilliant. Wee Soro is always good at breaking up play. Hendo (Ewan Henderson) is a threat going forward as well. Hazard, in goal, did well, too.

“It was overall just a great night.”

HAIL THE BHOY DAVID, CELTIC’S MATCHWINNER