Struggling ex-Celtic and Scotland man re-emerges to play major part in side's climb from basement

Former Celtic title winner David Turnbull was in fine form last night and he continued to play a key role in Cardiff City’s resurgence in the EFL Championship.

Currently without a manager after sacking Erol Bulut last month, the Bluebirds swatted aside fellow strugglers Portsmouth 2-0 last night to clock up an impressive three wins in their last four games under the stewardship of caretaker boss Omer Riza.

The home side found themselves in the lead after just six minutes when Regan Poole turned into his own net, before Callum Robinson doubled their advantage on 13 minutes. Linking up with former Ross County loanee Alex Robertson in the middle of the park, Scottish midfielder Turnbull caught the eye on only his second start of the season as Cardiff moved out of the relegation spots and into 19th.

The Scotland international departed Celtic in order to move to Cardiff City in January, but has struggled for game time. Cr: SNS Group. | SNS Group

“I’m delighted to be back and playing my part," said Turnbull. "It’s been great playing with Alex [Robertson]. We both know each other as players, try to link up as much as we can and I think we’re feeding off of each other. We all link up well in midfield. We know how each other play, we’re all really good technically on the ball. I’d say we’re all on the same wavelength at the moment and it’s all clicking, so long may it continue.”

The five-cap Scotland international struggled upon his January transfer to the Cardiff City Stadium, registering just one assist in 17 appearances last season as the side finished in 12th position. Turnbull’s struggles continued into the new campaign, with the second-tier side failing to win any of their first seven games, while the ex-Celtic man failed to even make the squad in half of those games.

David Turnbull during his Celtic days. Cr: Getty Images. | Getty Images

After playing just 29 minutes in the club’s opening nine games, Turnbull was reintroduced to the starting XI by caretaker boss during Saturday’s 5-0 win over Plymouth Argyle and kept his place for last night’s win over Portsmouth. The 25-year-old produced a strong display again, winning 100% of his tackles, creating one chance for his team and making 87% of his passes successively before being taken off in the 66th minutes.

Riza’s decision to restore him to the Cardiff team has paid dividends, with the 44-year-old now odds-on favourite to get the Cardiff job permanently, with Turnbull playing a key role in the club’s strong current form.