Luke McCowan is getting the plaudits he deserves.
The Celtic midfielder wasn’t a regular last season across his debut campaign, but he was able to impact games from the bench as a substitute.
The new season has started in the same vein, with McCowan coming on in the second-half against St Mirren on Flag Day to score the winning goal.
On Friday night for Celtic’s win over Falkirk in the Premier Sports Cup, he earned a start and played magnificently across the 90 minutes.
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Halliday talks up McCowan’s attitude
Andy Halliday took in some of the clash and told Open Goal that he’s noticed two things about McCowan this season.
The Motherwell midfielder believes McCowan never lets Celtic down on the pitch and will give more than 100% for the badge when he plays.
Halliday: “I didn’t watch the full game, but from what I watched, Luke McCowan… I can understand why it’s so hard for him to break into the team because it’s an area of the pitch where Celtic are so strong.
“But I feel as if he never lets Celtic down when he plays.
Slane: “I now think he’s ahead of Engels and Bernardo. I would say it’s Nygren, Hatate and McGregor as the three just now, just with the start that Nygren has made.
“But I would say Nygren is the first one to come in there now.”
Ferry: “Do you know what he gives you much more than Engels? See just his enthusiasm.”
Halliday: “I was just about to say, I think he plays like he’s just desperate to get the jersey. He plays like he wants to make an impact every time he comes on the pitch or starts a game.”
Martin O’Neill backs McCowan for more important Celtic role
Just a couple of weeks ago, Celtic legend Martin O’Neill was effusive in his praise of McCowan, and thinks the ex-Dundee star can step up further this season.
O’Neill said: “I wouldn’t have seen him live a great deal of times, but of course I’ve seen him on television. You have to commend him for working his way through, not giving up, and getting into Celtic’s first-team.
“I think – and I suppose it won’t really matter what I think, but it’s what the manager thinks of him – but he definitely seems like he’s going to play a more significant part this season. And if that’s the case, well done him.
“Now what you’re looking for is this big improvement on last season, if it is at all possible.
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