It’s a good sign for Luke McCowan that Celtic supporters already appreciate his talent even though the midfielder has yet to make a start for the club.
Signed from Dundee for just £1m in the summer, McCowan has only made two substitute appearances to date, partly because he was cup-tied for last week’s match against Falkirk.
However, he’s quickly made an impression, first making his debut in a derby win over Rangers and then scoring in his second match to secure a 2-0 victory against Hearts.
He’s left fans wanting more, and with the schedule getting busier over the next few months, we shouldn’t have to wait too long to see him get a starting opportunity.
In the meantime, McCowan is quickly warming to the Celtic experience, getting to grips with life at Lennoxtown and his new teammates. He’s relishing the challenge of raising his game.
Luke McCowan on settling at Celtic
Speaking this week, the 26-year-old said [Celtic Way]: “The week after I signed was the international break – that feels so long ago now – but I think that was a good week for me to get my feet in the door and try to settle and get a routine in.
“You don’t really know your workplace right away, and you don’t really know the people you’re working with, so it’s like any other job in that it takes you a bit of time to get used to. But it’s been really good, and now that I’ve been here about a month or so I’m settling in great.
You can obviously see the quality of the squad every day, but you’ve got to believe that you’re good enough to play alongside those guys. I think just going to a new club just in general for anybody, no matter if you are going below or going above, it’s difficult for anybody. But when you’re going to the best club in Scotland, and you are playing Champions League football, it’s going to be tougher than normal.
It’s been great, though, and you are getting to learn off of these guys. I’m getting to learn off of people like Callum McGregor and James Forrest, who have been unreal, and now it’s just about working as hard as I can and getting as many minutes as possible.”
Celtic midfield looking more robust than ever
The depth that Brendan Rodgers has at his disposal in the middle of the park is impressive. Matt O’Riley may have left the club but the manager has ensured Celtic move forward with powerful options.
The primary quartet of Callum McGregor, Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo and Reo Hatate are the best four midfielders in Scotland and compete for just three positions. McCowan ably provides support as a substitute and rotation option.
As a boyhood Celtic fan, McCowan will always give 100% even if he’s not getting game time, and it was an intelligent move from Rodgers to bring that commitment to the club to perform a depth role.
While we wait to see more of McCowan, fans can take comfort in a high-functioning midfield that is a joy to watch.
