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MESMERISING

‘He’s a joy to watch’ – Celtic star David Turnbull admits he can’t get enough of Hoops teammate Kyogo Furuhashi

DAVID TURNBULL has hailed Kyogo Furuhashi as a ‘joy’ to play with after they teamed up to deadly effect against Rapid Vienna.

Celtic’s second-half subs both netted — and produced assists for one another — in Saturday’s 3-3 friendly draw in Austria.

'Joy to watch' Kyogo fires in a goal in Austria
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'Joy to watch' Kyogo fires in a goal in Austria
David Turnbull wrestling a defender on Saturday
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David Turnbull wrestling a defender on Saturday

And Turnbull can’t get enough of linking up with the Japanese idol.

The Hoops midfielder said: “I played with him all of last season and I love playing alongside him.

“We had a good partnership then and against Rapid we linked up for two of the goals. He’s a joy to play with. It’s great to know that he will make the runs in behind and he can find me as well.

“I just think his movement and his runs in behind are brilliant.

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Sometimes he’s even one step ahead I feel, and you can’t get the ball through to him.

“If you play it through early, though, he’s always onside and ready to be there.”

Turnbull is approaching his third year at Parkhead — and there is another team-mate he’s happy to single out as a major influence.

Captain Callum McGregor has long been admired for his outstanding professionalism and durability.

And ex-Motherwell star Turnbull added: “He’s the captain and it’s been great to play alongside him.

“I love to play with him, he helps me a lot and he talks to me.

“He’s probably the one I would say I would go to first if I needed anything.”

Turnbull admits he pities boss Ange Postecoglou for having to pick an XI from Celtic’s current squad.

The champions took 35 players to their Austrian training camp in Bad Erlach, although admittedly that number was bolstered by several B-team prospects.

Celtic now travel to the Czech Republic, where they will face Banik Ostrava tomorrow night to help them mark their centenary celebrations.

Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou watching over Celtic's friendly against Vienna
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Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou watching over Celtic's friendly against Vienna

And Turnbull said: “It’s as strong as the squad has been. We’ve seen that this pre-season.

“We had two teams in the two 45s against Rapid and everybody is ready to make their mark.

“It’s good for everybody in the team to have that competition and it’s going to be tough for everybody.

“I think it will push up the level again. Boys will step up their standards in training.

“And on and off the pitch the boys will be doing everything they can to get into the team.

“It’s great for everyone and for the manager — but it will be tough for him to pick.

“We’re feeling good. It’s been a good pre-season camp over here. The facilities are great and we’ve been working hard every day.

“We obviously had the first game the other night and then Rapid. Both have gone well, so we’re looking forward to the games coming up.

“The Rapid game was a good test for us. They moved the ball about well.

“I just try to contribute to the team. If that’s scoring goals or creating them or whatever, it’s just about doing my best for the team.

“I try to score all types of goals and whatever way they come I’m happy with them.”

Celtic being put through their paces in they prepare ahead of the new season
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Celtic being put through their paces in they prepare ahead of the new season

Celtic beat the odds to wrestle back the title from Rangers, despite a chaotic pre-season a year ago.

And Turnbull only sees the team continuing to progress — with the added excitement of Champions League group games between September and November.

The Hoops’ first competitive game is the Premiership opener at home to Aberdeen on July 31 and he said: “I think we can take it on another step.

“We’ve obviously got Champions League football this year to look forward to and doing our best in the league.

“We’ll be looking to do that, as we did last season, and just perform better and better in each game.

“The Champions League will be great. I think it’s everybody’s dream to play in the Champions League.

“Going straight into the group stages will be a very hard challenge, but all the boys are really looking forward to it. I can’t wait.

“I feel you need to do your best to step up every game, and every week you need to keep trying to improve, whether that is in training or on the pitch during games.

“Everybody is fighting for a place in the team, so you need to do your best every game.

“I want to improve — and I feel I am improving every week and in every game.

“That’s what I want to do and I feel I’m bringing a lot to the team.

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“Hopefully I can bring more goals and more assists, whatever it is, and defensively work as hard as I can.

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“That is what I’m going to try to do this season.”

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