Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was delighted with Luke McCowan’s impact in the Hoops’ dominant 3-0 victory over Motherwell yesterday.
The central midfielder came into the team amidst captain Callum McGregor’s absence and did his chances of another start midweek no harm.
McCowan brought a distinct energy to Celtic’s midfield play and found himself on the scoresheet just before the half-hour mark, smartly sweeping home from the edge of the box after beating his man.
The goal was his second in green and white after he opened his account against Hearts a few weeks ago.
Boss Rodgers couldn’t be happier for the 26-year-old, who has had to bide his time for opportunities: “I’m so happy for him [McCowan],” admitted the gaffer (RecordSport).
“As a Celtic supporter coming in, that enthusiasm first of all, but then that wears off after a while and you have to perform. He performs with great energy, a great passion for the game, and he has quality.
“Callum obviously wasn’t going to play, so the idea was to bring him in because he’s a goal threat, and I thought he took his goal really well.
“You see that in every game he plays, he looks like he can create goals or score a goal.
“So I’m absolutely delighted for him and all those players that are coming in and playing a very important role in it.”
Although competition is currently rife for minutes in Celtic’s midfield, McCowan did his chances of getting the nod against his old team on Wednesday night no harm with his performance yesterday.
The central midfielder has been knocking on the door for a start in green and white and was rewarded for his patience at Fir Park.
Given his display, McCowan deserves to keep his place midweek. If he maintains his current performance levels, Steve Clarke and Scotland will soon come calling.
A Champions League debut, a first Celtic start, and a fine strike in a dominant away win completed yet another productive week as McCowan’s meteoric rise continues.
