Celtic players are spoken about in footballing circles like clockwork, but sometimes, the people in the background who helped them along the way don’t get the credit they deserve.
By now, most supporters will have heard plenty regarding Luke McCowan’s rise to prominence that led to his dream move to the Scottish champions.
Arriving for £1 million on deadline day, the former Dundee captain has capped a fantastic rise through the lower leagues and could potentially be involved in Champions League action over the coming weeks.
McCowan’s backstory doesn’t distinguish him from his peers. He is at Celtic on merit and is already targeting a place in the starting line-up.
Ultimately, Brendan Rodgers will be the judge of that. Nevertheless, the new signing has paid tribute to his late agent, John Kavanagh, who sadly passed earlier this year.
Luke McCowan pays tribute to John Kavanagh
Speaking in his inaugural Celtic press conference, McCowan delved into the belief Kavanagh gave him to pursue his dream of one day pulling on green and white. His former agent was also a lifelong supporter.
He explained [Mailsport]: “Do you know what? It was obviously something I thought about when this move was happening, what it would’ve meant to John. When I was coming on for my debut against Rangers, I think John would have been greeting his eyes out if he had been able to see that.
“John got me at 18, 19, and saw I was a late bloomer. He just said: “Listen, I’m going to stick with you the whole way. I’m going to get in contact with people. I don’t want you doing the wrong things. I want you to be as professional as ever”.
“He was a bit like an uncle to me in football. It was a sad time obviously when he passed, a real shock. I was gutted, because I didn’t get to catch up with him, I didn’t get to see him or anything. So, coming here, I know how much he would be loving it up there with his full Celtic tracksuit on. I’m just gutted I couldn’t get him tickets to games and have him come and see Champions League matches now.
“But he has got the best seat in the house now, looking down on me, so he doesn’t need to worry.”
Kavanagh was clearly a central influence in McCowan’s formative years, and his impact has been recognised after years of hard work.
Self-belief is everything in football, but without someone backing you every step of the way, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Without his support, McCowan may never have got to play for Celtic. Nevertheless, he is now in the building and will continue to do him proud.
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