Celtic 3 Lille 2: David Turnbull nets his first for club as Lennon picks up much-needed win

DAVID TURNBULL grabbed his first goal for Celtic as Neil Lennon picked up a much-needed win at Parkhead.

The Hoops went into the clash lacking confidence after picking up just two wins in their last 12 outings.

Turnbull is delighted after netting his first Celtic goal and winner

Celtic star showed great composure with an excellent goal Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

But they showed great character throughout as goals from Christopher Jullien, a Callum McGregor penalty and a Turnbull strike earned the Hoops all three points in a five-goal thriller.

Jonathan Ikone and Celtic old boy Timo Weah were on target for the visitors as the hosts picked up their first win of the group stage in the final match.

With the Europa League campaign already over and just pride at stake Lennon made six changes to the team that drew 1-1 with St Johnstone last time out.

Conor Hazard was handed his first-team debut in goals with Turnbull, Ismaila Soro, Patryk Kilmala, Shane Duffy and Mohamed Elyounoussi all handed starts.

The hosts created their first chance of the game through Turnbull but his long-range effort was off target after some positive play.

Jullien’s header puts Celtic ahead against Lille Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

Two minutes later Jeremie Frimpong took a sore one after sliding into the advertising boards but thankfully he got back to his feet and was able to continue but later in the first period he hobbled off to be replaced by Ewan Henderson.

Hazard had a quiet opening 20 minutes on his home debut with the French side failing to test the youngster. The nearest they came was a free-kick from Yusuf Yazici but it flew over the bar.

At the other end Patryk Klimala unleashed a powerful drive but Mike Maignan was able to push his effort away as the Hoops started to look a lot more confident.

And they were rewarded in the 21^st minute with a fine goal.

Lille keeper can’t get near Celtic Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Turnbull’s excellent corner into the six-yard box was just asking to be finished and big Jullien was on hand to head home.

However, just two minutes later the French outfit were level.

Conceding goals has been a real issue for Celtic this season, particularly in Europe, and a mistake from McGregor in the midfield was punished in style from the visitors.

The stand-in skipper hooked the ball into the path of Yazici who played a low ball across the six-yard box and Ikone was on hand to provide a simple finish.

Weah scores against his former club to make it 2-2 between Celtic and LilleCredit: PA:Press Association

Despite the setback, Celtic responded brilliantly and were back in front moments later in a crazy five-minute spell in the first half. Turnbull played in Frimpong who was fouled in the box.

And McGregor made up for his earlier error by smashing the ball beyond Maignan to restore Celtic’s advantage.

Five minutes from the break Lille’s Jonathan David had a shot blocked before Turnbull again tried his luck from range but he pulled his effort past the post.

Frimpong took a sore one as he was sent crashing into advertising boardsCredit: Reuters

The second period started much quieter but Turnbull’s deliveries from set-pieces looked dangerous every time whether it was free-kicks or corners.

Celtic looked full of confidence with their youngsters impressing on the big stage.

However, they were breathing a sigh of relief just on the hour as Cheikh Niasse strike across goal came off the stretching McGregor and hit the woodwork before rolling out for a corner.

Turnbull was then inches away from his first goal for Celtic after collecting a ball from Kristoffer Ajer on the half turn before getting a shot off at goal but it took a nick and just landed on the wrong side of the post.

McGregor is hailed by his Celtic team-mates after scoring from spot

With 20 minutes left on the clock, Celtic old boy Weah came back to haunt his old club after firing low beyond Hazard after the ball dropped nicely to him following a clearance from a set play.

But the Hoops responded once again and an excellent run and ball into the box from Ajer found Turnbull, who expertly stroked the ball into the far corner. The strike brought out a massive cheer from boss Lennon.

Rookie keeper Hazard was then called upon to make a huge save with his feet as the clock continued to tick towards full-time.

Lennon will be hoping this win is the start of a positive run as the Scottish champions aim to get back on track.

The focus now shifts to Sunday’s Premiership clash with Kilmarnock before the Scottish Cup Final showdown with Hearts next weekend.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk