Scotland fans were left asking what happened to David Turnbull as they watched the Czech Republic win 2-0 at Hampden in the opening European Championship match.
Two goals from Patrick Schick either side of half-time provided the Tartan Army with a reminder of the gulf in class between the also-rans and the potential contenders for the competition.
Scotland’s workmanlike side did OK without being anything special, in the seventh minute of the second half Schick notched what looks already like being Goal of the Tournament when he perfectly executed a 50 yard shot that swerved and dipped under David Marshall’s crossbar.
Steve Clarke had no-one to match that sort of contribution but as often happens in these situations the players not involved end up having their value and importance increased.
Turnbull and Billy Gilmour were the two players most discussed on Social Media but Clarke wasn’t prepared to pitch in his rookies.
As Celtic’s Player of the Season and after picking up the Young Player of the Year award the former Motherwell man must have suffered an afternoon of frustration watching from the sidelines.
Ryan Christie and Jack Hendry started the match and were substituted, Callum McGregor and James Forrest were introduced during the second half but Turnbull had to sit it out with Greg Taylor and wonder if he’ll get his opportunity at Wembley.
Scotland’s young player of the year David Turnbull not getting near this team is utterly baffling.
— Harters (@Harters8) June 14, 2021
David Turnbull please.
— Al (@spursalex18) June 14, 2021
Apart from Adams the wrong subs were made. Turnbull staying on the bench wasn’t right. McGinn was quiet. Dykes not good enough for this level either.
— Iain Brown (@iainbroon90) June 14, 2021
Chasing the game desperate for a goal and we bring on Calum McGregor ? never got up to the pace of the game at any stage. Surely Turnbull and Gilmour both better options
— Ross McKenzie (@RKenzifizzle) June 14, 2021
I agree but what I don’t understand is why wasn’t turnbull picked over forrest when he was celtics player of the season and forrest was injured all season. Che Adams should’ve started we were way too defensive from the get go
— Callum Fairgrieve (@fairg95) June 14, 2021