Only one Celtic star makes the BBC Sport Team of the Week, but it’s a surprise inclusion

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Celtic weren’t at their best on the opening day of the season but still got the job done.

The Hoops beat St Mirren 1-0 after Luke McCowan’s 87th minute winner at Celtic Park.

Brendan Rodgers was happy with the performance but there was an overwhelming consensus that the Bhoys need to step it up in the coming weeks.

Following the return of the Scottish Premiership, the Team of the Week format also came back across the media and there was one surprise inclusion.

• READ MORE: Scott Brown says Brendan Rodgers’ call on four Celtic players hasn’t happened for a ‘long, long time’

Luke McCowan named in BBC Sport Team of the Week

McCowan came off the bench to make a winning impact in a game where it felt like Celtic had lost their shooting boots.

BBC Sport’s Jonathan Sutherland named the midfielder in his Team of the Week – albeit in an unorthodox position as a left winger.

Justifying his inclusion, he said: “Celtic picked up another opening day victory despite a tough test against Stephen Robinson’s St Mirren, and they have one player in my team of the week. Luke McCowan came off the bench to decisive effect. Always looking to make something happen.”

That meant there was no place for Liam Scales, who impressed Celtic fans, or Kieran Tierney after his solid second debut despite both making a valuable impact on the pitch.

Jack Ross has urged Rodgers to start McCowan more regularly due to his impact off the bench and this could turn the Celtic manager’s hand.

Luke McCowan focusing on Champions League play-off

After the away trip to Aberdeen this weekend, Celtic will then turn their attention to the Champions League play-off tie.

Kairat Almaty or Slovan Bratislava await the Hoops and the 27-year-old is ready to face the pressure of another European campaign.

“You need to be ready for that pressure, you need to have your chest out, your head high and go and show you’re a Celtic player,” he said.

“That’s what it demands and that’s what the manager wants. Pressure in a game hopefully brings out your best qualities.

“I’m sure we will be [ready]. I mean, if you were to ask us to play it this midweek, I’m sure we’d all be ready.”