David Turnbull insists the supporting cast at Celtic can help bring the curtain down in style on their crucial Christmas period.
The midfielder came off the bench to score in the Hoops’ 3-2 midweek win over Real Betis on Thursday.
Liam Scales, Osaze Urhoghide, Mikey Johnston, Liel Abada, Ismaila Soro, James McCarthy and Liam Shaw were all handed starts and a rare chance to shine in the Euro tie.
With Kyogo, Jota and Albian Ajeti sidelined with hamstring injuries, Turnbull is convinced the fringe players will have a huge part to play during a festive spell that includes key Premiership clashes and a League Cup Final with Hibs next Sunday.
He said: “Betis are a great side and they showed how good they are against us in Spain.
“They may have rested a few boys against us on Thursday night but it was a game where we also showed the strength in depth we have.
“We had a batch of boys coming in and they all played brilliantly and showed everyone what they can do.
“That’s what the boys who haven’t been playing need to do.
“Everybody is going to be needed, everyone knows the schedule coming up is quite busy as we go into the Christmas period.
“If somebody gets injured or we need something to change late on in matches, I am sure all of the boys will be ready.
“It’s obvious we don’t want injuries but we spoke about it on Thursday night. It’s about the boys stepping into these positions. They can do just as well and work as hard for the team. I don’t think we need to worry too much.
“Having so many games takes its toll on an individual’s body. Having so many key players out is not what we want but I’m sure everyone will get back and we’ll be fine.”
The Scotland midfielder slotted home a penalty against Betis that came after he pulled rank on Johnston who attempted to take responsibility from the spot.
He said: “Mikey asked if he could take the penalty or if I wanted it – and I told him I wanted it. He gave me the ball and I was happy he didn’t put up too much of a fight.
“The Betis match was different to what I’ve been used to in the last few games but I enjoyed it.
“It was a good game to come into and obviously a great result for the team. It was just great to chip in with a goal.”
A place in the Europa Conference League now beckons for Celtic.
Former Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers said last week he was bemused by what awaits in the competition after Leicester were eliminated from the Europa League.
But Turnbull can’t wait for more European action and claims there’s no reason why Celts can’t go the distance in its maiden season.
He said: “Why not? We treat every game the same. Once we get the draw and find out who we’ll get, it will be about beating them first.
“We will try to get ourselves on a run and I’m sure we will all be focused on it. We will try to do our best and go as far as we can.
“I’m looking forward to it. We can’t focus on winning trophies in competitions that haven’t started yet. It’s still at the knock-out stages so we will just take it on one game at a time.
“It’s a new tournament that has been brought in this season.
“Big teams that don’t do their best or qualify for the latter stages of the Europa League drop into it.
“Every team in it will be of a really high quality – you never get an easy game in Europe – so I’m sure it will be a good experience.”
It’s now nine goals and counting for the playmaker this season.
Turnbull is convinced he can add to his goal haul and enhance his growing reputation as a midfielder who’s more than capable of finding the back of the net.
He said: “I want to try to score as many goals as I can from midfield. As a midfielder you can make yourself that bit different if you’re scoring. I just look to get as many as I can to help the team out. That’s what I’ve been doing and I enjoy scoring them so hopefully there are many more to come.”
Celtic host Motherwell this afternoon aiming to maintain the pressure on leaders Rangers.
Turnbull paid tribute to the support network at his old club but insists he no longer dwells on a knee injury that almost derailed his career.
He said: “My main support figure was the physio Davie Henderson.
“I have spoken highly of him before and I have been able to work with him this season with Scotland which has been good.
“He treated me brilliantly and I have so much respect for him.
“He was a second father to me when I was injured. If I wasn’t feeling good he’d just send me up the road and have a rest day.
“He looked after me and I really appreciate that. I’ve moved on from the injury now as it was two-and-a-half years ago. I don’t think about it any more and I’ve given my thanks to everyone concerned.
“I still speak to people at Motherwell and I’ll be forever grateful for what they’ve done for me.
“But it’s all about keeping Celtic’s run going now. It’s been going great over the last few games.
“We aim to win each game, taking them one by one. We’ll try to keep that run going and win as many games as we can.”
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