Celtic manager Neil Lennon felt Scott Brown answered his critics in emphatic fashion during Sunday’s win over Hibernian.
Brown played 82 minutes of Celtic’s 3-0 win in what Lennon described as one of the best performances in either of his two spells in charge.
And the Celtic boss felt the 35-year-old’s performance refuted claims that his captain’s physical powers were on the wane.
Lennon told Celtic TV: “I thought he was man of the match, I thought he was brilliant.
“I know people have been questioning him. Sometimes he takes a little bit to get going, he needs the games. But I thought he was imperious.
“People say his legs…his legs haven’t gone. We have got all the data and we see him every day.
“That will maybe really kick-start his season but he is so important to us, he is the fulcrum of the team on and off the field. His performance was magnificent.”
After a couple of cameo outings since his £3million move from Motherwell, Turnbull was handed the whole of the second half to further introduce himself to the Celtic support, albeit through their television or computer screens.
The 21-year-old did not disappoint, playing a key role in Celtic’s third goal. Turnbull started a move with an interception inside his own half, played a one-two and then an inch-perfect through-ball to allow Mohamed Elyounoussi to net first time.
Lennon said: “I’m delighted for him. He’s been patient, but he has only been in the door for a month.
“He is getting used to the way we play, the tempo we play at and obviously the style of football and the formation.
“He can be delighted with his contribution. He is a very, very good young player and I am delighted he is here.”
