Manager unsure if Celtic-linked ‘top-class’ 21-year-old will still be his player on Thursday

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Celtic boss Neil Lennon confirmed on Tuesday that talks are ongoing over David Turnbull, a player the Hoops were on the verge of bringing to Parkhead last year.

Ahead of Celtic’s Champions League qualifying match against Ferencvaros on Wednesday night, Lennon told the Glasgow Times that talks with Turnbull were ongoing “as far as I know”.

Now, Stephen Robinson has admitted that he has no idea whether the 21-year-old will still be a Motherwell player by the time they kick off their Europa League campaign on Thursday.

Celtic are back in for Turnbull a year after a £3million deal to Parkhead fell through due to a knee concern spotted during his medical.

The move was called off and the midfielder then underwent months of rehabilitation following surgery, but he was eased back into action in February.

He is now back to full fitness, with five Scottish Premiership starts and a goal under his belt this term.

However, radio station Clyde 1 reported that Turnbull missed training on Wednesday, and and Robinson isn’t sure whether he will be included in the match squad.

Asked by Clyde 1 if Turnbull would be involved against Glentoran, the Steelmen manager replied: “I’m not sure at this stage. I’ve no idea where we’re at right now.”

He added: “I don’t get involved in the money side – but if he was valued at £3million last time he’s certainly a £3million player in my eyes.

“As a player, not just to me, David is a top, top talent and one of the best I believe Scotland will have ever produced.

“I can’t sing his praises high enough in terms of his mentality and his talent.

“But listen, we lose players every year. I make no mistake, David Turnbull is a top-class footballer but that is the model at Motherwell. That’s how we survive.”

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It looks as though Turnbull is finally set for his long-awaited move to Celtic, a year after his original planned switch fell through.

Pundits and supporters have been lining to praise the young midfielder this term, testament to a player who has put his injury woes behind him and is now back to his best.

And with Robinson’s comments on his player’s future, it really sounds like a club announcement could be coming up soon in Glasgow.