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‘Bottom line’ – Simon Donnelly tells Luke McCowan how to cement Celtic starting slot

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Celtic star Luke McCowan is the talk of the support at the moment after his excellent display against Ross County last weekend.

Despite becoming a smash-hit after his £1 million move from Dundee in the summer, the 26-year-old has only actually started three games for the Bhoys across all competitions.

Plenty of substitute appearances have also come his way, but his admirable performance against the Staggies has sent tongues wagging as calls for the midfielder to claim Celtic first-team slot increase.

Sligo Rovers v Celtic FC - Mid-Season Friendly
Photo By Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile via Getty Images

In the reigning Scottish Premiership champions’ 5-0 victory, McCowan registered one goal and three assists at home to Ross County in a dominant victory for the hosts to extend their lead at the top of the table.

With Aberdeen next on the horizon tonight, Simon Donnelly has told the midfielder how he can lock down a first-team place on a permanent basis.

Simon Donnelly on how Luke McCowan can become Celtic starter

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Donnelly believes McCowan simply needs to keep performing when called upon, which will eventually lead to him displacing someone in the Celtic midfield.

He explained: “Keep doing what he did at the weekend;  the bottom line. Keep doing what you were doing at the weekend.

“If he keeps performing like that, on that level, he’ll wrestle a jersey away. He will, I thought he was excellent at the weekend.”

Later, he added: “He’s been skipper at Dundee, I think he’s had a good upbringing in the game. Ayr Utd, Dundee and I know he’s a self-confessed Celtic fan, sometimes that maybe puts a wee bit extra pressure on yourself. I think he’s ready for that.”

Luke McCowan is standing up to scrutiny at Celtic

Despite some eyes in the beginning focusing on McCowan’s price tag and alternative route to Celtic, he has shown everyone why he deserves to be a part of the fold.

Stat-trackers Fotmob show he has excelled while in Scottish Premiership action for the club, creating no fewer than eight chances against Ross County last weekend.

His level of talent is there for all to see. Some deem McCowan as a late bloomer, but he simply paints a classic case of the type of ability that sometimes doesn’t get spotted until later down the line.

Donnelly is correct in saying that if he continues his current form, the sky is the limit for the former Dundee midfielder.