David Turnbull reveals emotional Celtic parting message from Josip Juranovic as he brushes off his own transfer rumour

22.01.2023 - 02:19 / dailyrecord.co.uk

David Turnbull admits life in the Celtic dressing room is set to become a bit duller after the departure of defender Josip Juranovic.

The Hoops midfielder believes the loss of the full-back to Union Berlin will be felt both on and off the park, but he believes there’s ample replacements in the shape of Alistair Johnston and Anthony Ralston. As the Croatian international said his farewells to team-mates before yesterday’s Scottish Cup win over Morton, Turnbull revealed he shared an emotional moment with a player who’s universally popular at the club.

He said: “I saw Josip before the game and he just wished me all the best and I wished him the best too. It was a nice moment. He’s a great player while he’s got a great personality as well. He’s a great laugh about the changing room, always having a joke and it’s nice to share a changing room with these boys. So I’d say he’s a loss as a player and a personality. It’s obviously great for him and he’s done so well whether it’s been for Celtic or at international level. He’s performed well every game he’s played and it will be sad to see him go.

"Every game he comes into he gives it his all. He always produces moments of quality. But we’ve got other boys to come in and they’ll get their turn now to try and make the spot their own.”

Turnbull took his own scoring tally to four for the season by netting against the Greenock side and the Scotland international is adamant he’s desperate to cement his place in the side after a spell on the periphery. Speculation of heading out on loan was also mooted for the midfielder who insists that’s news to him and his only focus is on remaining a first-team regular.

He said: “I’ve not heard or seen that. But that’s where I thought I was at, I