There’s been another step up in activity for Celtic in the current transfer window. But right now the focus is heavily on players who may be leaving. For instance, Josip Juranovic seems to be on the verge of completing a move to Union Berlin. The player is believed to have been given permission to discuss terms and have a medical with the Bundesliga side.
Giorgos Giakoumakis could very well be on his way out as well, while Scott Robertson has already signed for Fleetwood Town, who are currently managed by Scott Brown.
David Turnbull has also had a few rumours circling for a while, as he has seemed to struggle to get much game time this season. And many believed that a loan move might be good for the Scottish midfielder.
But as reported by The Herald, when asked if Turnbull could possibly benefit from a loan move, Postecoglou said:
"“No, Dave’s very much part of what we’re building here.“He’s been a bit unlucky, he got an unfortunate red card which meant he had to miss a couple of games that he would definitely have played a part in.“Dave’s an important part of our set-up here and I’m sure he’ll be involved in the second half of the year.”"
Postecoglou rules out chances of Celtic star leaving on loan this January
That sounds like a pretty clear message that Turnbull is staying. He only made his 8th start of the season for the Hoops in the Scottish Cup fourth round tie with Greenock Morton, and the midfielder scored his second goal in a few days after netting against St Mirren in midweek.
He must be pretty pleased to have started Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie and to have those two goals to help stake his claim as an active and valuable member of the squad moving forward this season.
Clearly the manager values his performances and contributions of Turnbull, as that emphatic message and endorsement from Postecoglou shows.
Now, the tougher part for Turnbull will be getting more regular playing time, as the likes of Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor and Aaron Mooy all seem to be firmly ahead of him in the pecking order right now.