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Chris Sutton has warned Neil Lennon against signing David Turnbull and adding a passenger to his title-seeking squad at Celtic, writing in his Daily Record column.

What's the story?

The Hoops are said to be in discussions with Motherwell about signing the 19-year-old this summer after an incredible breakthrough season in the Scottish Premiership.

Sutton though isn't convinced he can displace any of the midfielders currently at Celtic Park and reckons Lennon can't afford to have anyone in the squad not pulling their weight in terms of appearances.

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Writing for The Daily Record this weekend, the former Celtic striker said:

"The biggest issue for me surrounding Turnbull is would he get a game for Celtic? Will Turnbull take Celtic to the next level?

"That’s the big conundrum.

"If you look at the Celtic midfield area then you have to ask where would a player like Turnbull fits in at the minute. There may well be places up for grabs in Neil Lennon’s new look Celtic team. Who would Turnbull get a game in front of right now?

"Unless players make way then there is no room to accommodate Turnbull at Celtic. The teenager needs to play regular first team football and capitalise on the magnificent season that he has just had.

"I am not being disrespectful to Turnbull or Motherwell but Celtic cannot afford to carry somebody this season and give them time to bed in.

"This is the nine-in-a-row campaign and the Champions League which is going to be crucial will soon be upon them again.

"Players that are brought to the club need to hit the ground running due to the enormity of what is at stake both domestically and in Europe."

Turnbull's credentials

With 15 goals and six assists from midfield last season, Turnbull was one of the stand-out talents in the Scottish Premiership and given he is still just a teenager, it's a contribution that many think points to enormous potential.

Sutton is right to suggest the midfield positions are Celtic are currently well stocked but with Tom Rogic losing form in 2019, adding another attacking option to the central area doesn't sound like the worst idea in the world.

Scott Brown is ageing too and could play a reduced role next season.

Having Turnbull in the mix, especially against teams Celtic are expected to dominate possession against, could give the team that extra spark when breaking down the opposition.

The Motherwell man ticks plenty of boxes for the Hoops this summer and although he may not play 40+ games at the club next term, he should get enough action to show he is a player that can be important for Celtic in the future.

Sutton's warnings are well intended, but he may just be surprised about what the young Scottish talent can provide the Premiership champions.