It was the perfect start for Celtic and Brendan Rodgers for the opening game of the new Premiership season.
Yes, it wasn’t easy, but Celtic beat St Mirren 1-0, thanks to a Luke McCowan deflected effort, sealing the three points and a perfect end to Flag Day.
That goal came three minutes from time, and it was a relief for all inside Celtic Park, because of the timing of it and also the fact that Callum McGregor earlier had a goal ruled out for handball.
Either way, it was the first game for the Celtic players to lay down the marker, as well as individual players to prove to the manager where they stand in his plans.
- READ MORE: Charlie Mulgrew says ‘no doubt about it’ Celtic need to strengthen two areas after win vs St Mirren
Luke McCowan under Brendan Rodgers after Celtic beat St Mirren
McCowan signed for Celtic last summer on transfer deadline day, and he was mainly used from the bench by Rodgers.
Jack Ross praised Rodgers for how he has treated the player because every time he comes onto the pitch, he has the attitude to succeed, and not sulk, even though he wants to ‘start more games.’
The former Scottish Premiership manager told Sky Sports Football (03/08/25) that McCowan is a ‘really good example’ of how Rodgers is showing his high-quality man-management by keeping the player on his toes, even though he isn’t playing much.
“It’s essential, and it comes down to a lot of man-management,” said Ross. “I think Brendan is good at that. The man-management aspect of it.
“Making players feel important. Making them feel as if he can improve them. McCowan is probably a really good example of it.
“It would be easy to say that you would be satisfied just being a bit-part player because he has come from Dundee, but he isn’t, because he is probably driven and wants to start the games.
“But he is regularly impactful for Celtic. He has good quality. There is no denying that. At the top end of the pitch, he has good quality.”
How many times has McCowan scored or assisted from the bench?
Celtic’s midfield is an interesting talking point, and Rodgers made an interesting move for the opening match and which is starting Benjamin Nygren over Arne Engels.
There will be some shouting for McCowan to be handed more starts, because he only started 13 in the league last term.
Despite more appearances from the bench, McCowan was proving to be a menace with how he was impacting matches.
- Goals scored from the bench last season: 2
- Assists from the bench last season: 2
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