David Turnbull has been the shining light in a dismal Celtic season – but it hasn’t been enough for an international call-up.
Scotland boss Steve Clarke announced his latest squad on Tuesday, and there are just three Celtic players named; Greg Taylor, Ryan Christie and Callum McGregor.
Turnbull is the real shock omission, given that he has been outstanding his first season at Parkhead following a summer move from Motherwell.
The 21-year-old midfielder has racked up eight goals and six assists in 31 games for Celtic this season, emerging as the Bhoys’ leading performer this term.
Many thought that Turnbull would have forced himself into the Scotland reckoning ahead of the European Championships, and Celtic fans have been angrily reacting over the last 24 hours.
Scotland boss Clarke – who is on Celtic’s radar to become their new manager following Neil Lennon’s resignation according to The Scottish Sun – has attempted to appease disgruntled Celtic fans.
Clarke has told The Scottish Sun that he thinks Turnbull is a ‘good player’ and will get his chance soon, but he plays in Scotland’s strongest area, so it’s hard for him to get in right now.
“David Turnbull is a good player and has done well this year to break into the Celtic team,” said Clarke. “He looks a good prospect. Unfortunately he is trying to get into what is probably the strongest area of the pitch. If David keeps up his current form, his chance won’t be too far away,” he added.
If Clarke does land the Celtic job, he will end up managing Turnbull at Parkhead – and would surely have to make him a key player there despite the Scotland snub.