Celtic star David Turnbull knew he wouldn't celebrate if he scored against Motherwell - but admits his strike was so good, it was hard not to.
The midfielder earned Motherwell a club-record fee last year after the 'Well academy graduate completed a move to Celtic.
Turnbull has plenty of respect for his boyhood club after they helped him battle back from a career-threatening knee injury over the course of the 2019/20 season.
Now a Scotland international, the Fir Park academy graduate unleashed an unstoppable effort into the corner as Celtic beat Motherwell 2-0 in Premiership action on Saturday.
“Everyone knows what kind of club Motherwell are and how they helped me when I was younger, so I wanted to be respectful," explained Turnbull.
“I knew beforehand I wouldn’t celebrate because I spoke to my family about it. They were asking me what I’d do if I scored a goal and I told them I wouldn’t, I’d just leave it. Obviously I wanted to score, but I didn’t want to celebrate too much.
“I felt like doing it because it’s a great feeling every time you score and that was no different, but I’d decided I wasn’t going to do it.
“It was hard to stop myself, but I was delighted to put the ball in the top corner anyway. Hopefully I can score more of them in future and will be celebrating them as I want to."
It was Turnbull's first match at Fir Park in front of fans since his move to Celtic, and he admits it was a strange experience.
"It was very different coming back here this season with a crowd in," he said. "Last year I was on the bench and there were no supporters here. Ever since the fixtures were announced I was looking forward to coming back.
“It was good to be back here, seeing all the familiar faces from my time here. I will be getting a few messages from my pals later on, no doubt. There will be a bit of banter. The most important thing was getting the three points to keep going.”
After getting crossed in two minds over shooting in the first half, Turnbull knew he was taking his chance when it came in the second. He's certainly glad he did so - and Turnbull says a few of the Celtic players have asked how he managed it.
“I had a chance in the first half and was stuck in two minds whether to pass it or not," added Turnbull. "So the second time, when I got it I knew I was going to give it my best strike.
“I have done it before and I know what I’m capable of, so I’m delighted it went into the top corner.
“A few of the boys were asking me how I did it. When I got it, I just thought, ‘I have to strike this’ and put a bit of swazz on it. As I say, I’m just delighted it went in.”
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