Charlie Nicholas reckons the imminent arrival of Tomoki Iwata at Celtic could spell trouble for David Turnbull.
The Scotland international was sent off after a high boot in Saturday's 4-1 Premiership victory over St Johnstone. He's made just six league starts this term and the playmaker holds two goals and five assists across all competitions. Defensive utility man Iwata is reportedly close to becoming their third winter arrival after Alistair Johnston and Yuki Kobayshi, with a loan with an option to buy deal seemingly done outside some outstanding red tape and a medical.
Speaking in his Scottish Daily Express column, Hoops favourite Nicholas wonders what this means for Turnbull, while teammate James McCarthy is even further adrift from manager Ange Postecoglou's plans. He wrote: "With Tomoki Iwata likely to be Celtic's latest arrival, the squad is looking increasingly heavy in midfield. If I was David Turnbull I would be worried, while James McCarthy's days at the club seem numbered.
"Captain Callum McGregor and Matt O'Riley are two massive players in there. Along with Reo Hatate and Aaron Mooy, that's four players already in front of Turnbull in the pecking order for starting slots.
"The Scot, has been a peripheral figure for Ange Postecoglou and now faces a two-match ban for the red card he copped against St Johnstone on Christmas Eve. The capture of versatile Iwata - another player who can operate in central midfield - would limit the game time even more for Turnbull and McCarthy."
Meanwhile, Nicholas has named his Team of the Year. Only Hearts' Craig Gordon and Rangers Antonio Colak make the XI, with the rest of it made up of Celtic stars, with Liam Scales in for his form at Aberdeen on loan from Parkhead.
Charlie Nicholas' Team of the Year
CRAIG GORDON (Hearts): "Has never let his club or country down and makes so many crucial saves. Helped Hearts claim some big points. "
Josip Juranovic (Celtic): "I don't know how long he will remain at Celtic but I've really enjoyed watching him play. Showed his class at the World Cup with Croatia."
Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic): "Steady, strong and dependable, he is still delivering every week. Looked as comfortable as any of Celtic's players in the Champions League. "
Liam Scales (Aberdeen): "Has impressed me every time I've seen him. Aberdeen's best defender and you can see why Jim Goodwin wants to turn his season-long loan from Celtic into a permanent switch."
Greg Taylor (Celtic): "The improvement in him is undeniable and he has made the left-back position his own."
Reo Hatate (Celtic): "Great mobility and always shows for the ball. He has embraced Scottish football and become a big player for Celtic."
Callum McGregor (Celtic): "A model of consistency and high standards and always tries to do the right things.
Matt O'Riley (Celtic): "Offers a creative spark and is really flourishing. Has improved greatly and can get even better.
Jota (Celtic): "The player of the season so far. A huge talent, an entertainer and I love watching him."
Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic): "Great movement and an eye for goal. I also like the fact he doesn't shy away from the physical side of the game."
Antonio Colak (Rangers): "The Croatian striker has been Rangers' best player and was one of their most consistent before his injury. Red-hot in front of goal, especially as he has had to survive off scraps."
