David Turnbull should be worried about the seemingly imminent arrival of Tomoki Iwata at Celtic.

That's according to former Parkhead hero Charlie Nicholas.

The Scotland international was sent off during the Hoops' 4-1 win over St Johnstone on Christmas Eve.

After being a mainstay in the team for the past two seasons, the ex-Motherwell starlet has made just six Premiership appearances so far this term.

The 23-year-old has netted just twice across all competitions, notching five assists.

Japanese ace Iwata is said to be edging closer to his move to Celtic. 

He would become the club's third arrival of the upcoming January transfer window.

Writing in his Scottish Daily Express column, Nicholas reckons Celtic's new recruit could spell trouble for Turnbull.

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."

The former Sky Sports pundit then went on to name his team of the season so far. 

Eight of the starting XI were made up of players from Postecoglou's side, with only Craig Gordon, Liam Scales - on loan from Celtic - and Antonio Colak making the grade from Hearts, Aberdeen and Rangers. 

His team of the season to date reads: Craig Gordon (Hearts); Josip Juranovic (Celtic), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic), Liam Scales (Aberdeen), Greg Taylor; Reo Hatate (Celtic), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Matt O'Riley (Celtic), Jota (Celtic), Kyogo (Celtic) Antonio Colak (Rangers)

Glasgow Times:

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