IT seems like a long time since Celtic players were talking about confidence coursing through their veins, or of feeling as fit as they ever have done. But as the Ange Postecoglou project gathers pace, the players seem to be too.

Whether it is the intensive work that has been put in pre-season or the recent run of impressive results that have put some extra pep in their step, David Turnbull says that the Celtic squad are flying under their new manager.

The thrilling win over AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday night has buoyed the camp further, and swelled the growing sense among the support that Celtic may just be on the brink of something special. And just as the fans have, Turnbull says that has become possible because the players have also fully bought into Postecoglou’s brand of football.

“It gives us a lot of confidence [the win over Alkmaar], and the past few games as well, it’s breeding through the team and everyone else involved,” said Turnbull. “I think you see that on the pitch. It’s just about continuing with that.

“It’s just [the manager] getting his ideas across and getting boys in and the team that he feels is right at the moment. We are all gelling together. It’s working so far, so long may it continue.

“That’s the way he wants us to play and everybody is buying into it and it’s working on the pitch so far. We all want to go out there and express ourselves and that’s what we’re doing.

“We’re working hard in training, but at the moment it’s a tough schedule, so there’s not as much training as we’d like. That’s what I’m sure all the boys would want, and personally myself I’m feeling a lot fitter. I’m feeling great, and it looks like everybody else is as well.

“[The manager]’s always demanding more off of us, whether it’s in training or in games. He’s always telling us before and at half-time to keep working hard, keep pressing for the team and win the ball back, and that gets a good reaction off everybody.”

Postecoglou has certainly got a good reaction from a few players in the Celtic squad who looked to be on their way out of the club not so long ago, and Turnbull is enjoying bearing close witness to the Tom Rogic revival in particular.

“It’s great,” he said. “We know what Tom can do, he’s magic on the ball.

“I have played against him a good few times so I knew how good he was. And training with him all last year and this year you can see he’s class and he brings that to the table. That’s what we’re wanting.

“And I love playing with Cal (McGregor), when he’s sitting behind me he always finds the ball and he manages to find me or Tom in the pocket.

“It’s great to play with the both of them.”

Another player who seems completely rejuvenated under Postecoglou, and may have resurrected his own Celtic career in the process, is Anthony Ralston. The full-back was outstanding against AZ Alkmaar, the latest in a series of impressive displays from the previously maligned defender at the start of this season.

Along with Stephen Welsh, the pair have played an integral part in Celtic’s recent upturn in results, even if they have been forced to perform some last-ditch defending at times.

“Tony and Welshy have been excellent coming into this season,” said Turnbull.

“Welshy had a good few games last year and he’s kicking on now, and Tony has been non-stop down the right. It’s great to see.

“They have really stepped forward. It probably wasn’t the season they wanted last year, but this year the two of them have looked brilliant.

“Tony maybe wasn’t sure what was going to happen this season, but every game he’s been in he’s been amazing, and it’s just about continuing it.

“He was outstanding again against Alkmaar. He was rampaging up and down the right side and it’s great to see.”

The calming influence of Joe Hart behind them, in what was often a frenzied area against Alkmaar, has been a notable addition to this Celtic side too.

“Since Joe has come in he’s been excellent,” Turnbull said. “You see the save he pulled off on Wednesday night in the first few minutes. That’ what we need.

“Every game we’ve played he’s looked very comfortable, and he’s playing the way we want to as well.”

So, given where they were just a few weeks ago, all now seems well in the world of Celtic. But that’s not only down to Postecoglou or his players.

Turnbull says that the supporters have also played a major part in their revival since they returned to the stands, with their backing proving invaluable.

“The fans have been brilliant since the first game they came back,” he said. “It’s great to see them all and the noise is incredible.

“If maybe somebody has taken a bad touch or whatever, they get right behind them, and it’s just about us working hard and hopefully they see the rewards as well.

“It was tough last year without them. I hadn’t experienced it, but definitely coming into this season they’ve got right behind us and that’s what the team needed.

“They’re pushing us on until the final whistle and it’s great.”