David Turnbull is grateful for everything Motherwell have done for him - but that won't stop him from trying to gun them down for Celtic on Sunday.
The midfielder signed a four-year deal at Celtic Park on Thursday in a deal that netted Motherwell £3.25 million, just over a year since a knee injury halted the same move, and he could make his debut against the Steelmen in the first game.
Turnbull, 21, says he was always going to face his former team-mates at some stage, and it's good to get it over with straight away.
He told Celtic TV: "It will be strange. I was in at Motherwell earlier this week, waiting on everything going through, and it will be strange being on the opposite side, but I can't wait for it and to get started.
"I appreciate everything Motherwell have done for me. They helped me through the full youth academy, they gave me my chance to play first-team football, and they gave me that opportunity.
"In the last year they've looked after me so well through my rehab and some tough times, and they've looked after me brilliantly, so I can't thank them enough.
"It's going to happen at some point that I'm going to play against them, so this gets it out of the way straight away and they will be delighted for me getting the move. They'll probably have a wee joke with me on the park or whatever.
"I'll be ready. I've played every game this season so far, I'm feeling fit and sharp, and whatever happens I'm ready to go."
Turnbull is grateful to have been given a second chance to join the Scottish champions and said the last 14 months have been spent proving that he's worth their investment.
"It feels amazing to have signed. The full past year has been working towards this, I can't wait to be a part of it and I'm raring to go.
"I've worked so hard for this, and it's relief for everything and getting here in the end.
"Once I came back from injury I was just looking to get back playing for Motherwell, to give 100 per cent and get back to top form.
"I feel I've done that, and hopefully I'll continue that on here."
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