Celtic have a plethora of talent among their squad that have helped to lay the foundations for a solid start to the campaign.
Brendan Rodgers brought in eight summer signings for the Bhoys that have helped to quell any lingering concerns surrounding squad depth, a topic often brought up during last season’s more challenging moments.
Among the pack, Luke McCowan has impressed since arriving for £1 million from Dundee as the last of the arrivals deadline day had to offer. The 26-year-old opened his Celtic account against Heart of Midlothian last month, adding to a series of impressive substitute appearances.
Last weekend, Rodgers lauded McCowan’s contribution against Ross County that helped the Bhoys claim a late win in Dingwall, keeping their 100% Scottish Premiership record intact.
He stated: “Second half, the guys coming into the game, Paulo and Luke, they were outstanding. They were flexible on the ball, they showed good movement.”
In light of his recent form, Stephen McGinn has shared some thoughts on McCowan that Steve Clarke may want to tune into.
Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan’s international credentials
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, pundit McGinn indicated his surprise that McCowan’s ‘infectious’ displays in a Celtic jersey haven’t led to international recognition with Scotland.
He explained: “Luke McCowan was one I thought (could’ve got in) the Scotland squad. Dundee fans, he was their best player all last year and didn’t get a sniff. When you see the injuries in the midfield area, he was so good for Dundee.
“You look at Dundee’s form since he left the club; he was central to everything. You look at the way he came on at the weekend, he looks like a Celtic player. My only little worry with him early on is, (with him) being a big Celtic fan, is it going to overawe him?
“He’s been the opposite, it’s as if he’s been at Celtic for a couple of years. I’m thinking, you’re playing so well, you’re playing with so much confidence, you’re now playing with the big club status behind you. Could we have found a place for him in this Scotland squad?”
Later, he added: “We’re probably in a transition period; we don’t have those young players; it was that energy and appetite that he brought to the game on Sunday against Ross County; he almost went on and grabbed it by the scruff of the neck without actually being on the ball too much, it was an infectious energy he brought to the game and I’m thinking in this time, could he have been in the group.”
Luke McCowan’s thoughts on claiming a Scotland call-up
Earlier this week, Celtic midfielder McCowan indicated he isn’t really ‘fussed’ on missing Scotland duty, but would love a call-up in the future.
He stated: “If it comes, it comes. I’m not really fussed about it. I’m at a club this size and it’s not my focus. If the Scotland manager picked up the phone and asked me to go, I’d happily go. Of course I’d love to represent my country.”
With his form gaining traction after making the jump from Dundee to Celtic, you get the impression it won’t be too long before getting to fulfil a lifelong ambition of representing his country.
Hopefully, McCowan can keep shining in Glasgow’s east end before Scotland realise what he could offer to their set-up.
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