When Celtic agreed a deal to sign David Turnbull last summer, they knew what they were getting.
The Hoops had just signed one of the most vibrant young players in Scottish football but few would have predicted the way he led proceedings at Parkhead this term.
Odsonne Edouard may have led the way in terms of his 22 goals but it was Turnbull who was a constant beacon of hope for the Bhoys.
No player completed more key passes in the Premiership this term, a statistic that helped him on his way to the European Championships with Scotland.
It was a richly deserved award for his performances in the green and white but one player who will feel hard done by to miss out is Lewis Ferguson.
The midfielder has had a stellar campaign with Aberdeen and now has admirers south of the border.
Ferguson lodged a transfer request last week but that was swiftly rejected by Steven Glass’ men after an offer came in from a Premier League team.
Watford bid £2m for his services but it left Aberdeen absolutely insulted at such a low offer. For now, the 21-year-old will be remaining at Pittodrie.
Despite interest from England, Barry Ferguson thinks he could end up a Celtic player in the not too distant future. Speaking to Go Radio last week, the former Rangers man spoke about a potential move to Parkhead: “I don’t think he would have a problem with that. Just for the simple fact I know a lot of people go on about his dad playing with Rangers.”
Celtic would be foolish to pass up on such an opportunity, purely because of the season he’s enjoyed.
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Ferguson racked up ten goals and five assists in all competitions from the middle of the park, proving to be a thorn in the opposition for many sides.
The Bhoys saw first-hand what he can do as he ruthlessly tore apart Neil Lennon’s side back in October. Celtic drew 3-3 with Aberdeen and it was Ferguson who popped up with two goals.
During that clash, the dazzling youngster was in inspired form as he won 75% of the defensive duels he competed in and was fouled five times. He provided five crosses for the Aberdeen forward line to attack and completed four interceptions.
It was a courageous performance from a man tipped to play for Scotland. Derek McInnes said this season: “For me he will (play for Scotland) but whether he is ready for it now, it’s not my job to do that.The boy was born to play football and born to play on the big occasion, and I’m sure everything will come his way in time.”
Speaking about his qualities, McInnes added: “His temperament has never been in question. He’s a boy but he’s a man. Nothing fazes him. He takes responsibility and there’s a maturity about him that I love. He’s still making contact and winning more headers and tackles than anyone else. Then he comes up with the free-kick.”
Those words are typical of what we’ve seen this term, with Ferguson scoring a third goal of the season against Celtic back in April.
He gave Scott Brown the run around in that game as the 21-year-old took five shots and also produced two tackles.
It’s hardly a surprise Ferguson has found himself being described as “outstanding” by McInnes.
With 21 goals to his name throughout his Aberdeen career, he certainly knows where the net is. Though, he is also excellent when it comes to the defensive side of the game.
Celtic simply have to sign him.
AND in other news, Imagine him under Howe: Celtic must sign 6ft3 “freak”, he’s the spitting image of Ajer…