‘A bargain’ – Neil Lennon admits Celtic summer signing has ‘really surprised’ him

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Brendan Rodgers made some very good signings for Celtic in the last transfer window.

Celtic splashed the cash on the likes of Arne Engels and Adam Idah as the club smashed their transfer record by signing two of the most expensive players in the Hoops’ history.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers also spent good money on Auston Trusty and Paulo Bernardo to help prepare the club for the Champions League this season.

However, none of these players compares to one who was signed for a relative pittance as Neil Lennon admits that he has been proved wrong after his recent performances for Celtic.

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Neil Lennon admits Luke McCowan has ‘surprised’ him at Celtic

Lennon told Sky Sports, “I think he’s been tremendous.

“He’s really surprised me. I think he’s come into the squad and he’s adapted brilliantly. There’s a real maturity about him.

“I think whenever he starts or comes off the bench he’s made a real positive contribution, not only in domestic games, but I saw him play in Atlanta and I thought he did great when he came on.

“And he’s got this little bit of creativity as well. He could have been overwhelmed by coming in.

“His contribution in terms of goals has been excellent and assists, and I have to say, his demeanour all around the pitch when he’s played has been exceptionally good and I think Celtic have got a bargain.”

Signed for £1m, the former Dundee captain had been brilliant for Celtic scoring four goals and creating nine in his maiden season at Celtic Park.

And it’s that kind of form that urged James McFadden to tell why he has been blown away by McCowan’s impact at Celtic.

James McFadden details what’s been ‘incredible’ about Luke McCowan at Celtic

“For players coming and you say, ‘Oh it takes some time to settle, or once they get a run of games’, he doesn’t need a run of games, he doesn’t need to settle.

“He can come on for 20 minutes, have an impact, he can start the next game, have an impact, be out the team, and his performance levels have been so high since he’s come in.

“It’s incredible.”

McCowan did his chances of starting against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup on Saturday no harm despite Celtic’s stuttering draw against Dundee last night.

The 27-year-old is testing Rodgers’ resolve with the likes of Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo as he continues to perform on a more consistent basis than the Japanese and Portuguese midfielders.

One thing is for sure, regardless if he can claim a regular starting spot, McCowan has already proven that he is a crucial part of Celtic’s first-team squad and will undoubtedly play a huge role in the club’s successes this season.