Barry Ferguson reckons Celtic need to focus their summer rebuild around the talent of David Turnbull if they are to bounce back from a disastrous season.
A £3m summer signing from Motherwell, the 21-year-old has been one of the few bright spots for the Hoops amid a season of turmoil that has seen them drop 18 points behind leaders Rangers.
The midfielder has notched seven goals and six assists in 26 appearances in his debut season in Glasgow and now looks an essential part of the club's long-term plans.
Former Rangers star Ferguson loves a player that can show, as he did so often in his storied career, the strength of character to keep playing difficult passes even after a mistake.
And in Turnbull, he sees someone with the poise and ability to become a fulcrum in successful sides of the future.
Talking about Neil Lennon, he said on Go Radio: "His go to player is David Turnbull.
"Celtic have to rebuild and they have to rebuild the team around Turnbull.
"He's that improtant. For me, when he gets into the middle third he's always looking to play that pass and what I like about him is that if it doesn't go for him he will go and get the ball and try again.
"He's not afraid to make mistakes.
"Look at his goal (against St Mirren). Following up and driving into the box, he's in the right place at the right time.
"For me, if they want to be successful they need to build the team around a kid like Turnbull.
"When I'm watching games, if the midfielder gives the ball away a few times I always look to see if he's wanting again.
"To go and have the confidence to say 'Okay, I've made a few bad passes' but to keep going.
"I see that in him. I saw that with Rangers and Scott Wright when he came on (against Hamilton). He wants to make an impact straight away and show he wants that ball.
"That's what you want to see from players."
