Former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thompson can’t deny his admiration for Celtic’s Luke McCowan.
The 26-year-old returned to the fold for the Hoops on Saturday with a bang, scoring a goal and setting up three others in a 5-0 trouncing of Ross County at Parkhead.
McCowan’s corner met the head of Liam Scales for the Bhoys’ opener before he doubled the hosts’ advantage on 27 minutes with a terrific touch and volley.
Callum McGregor and Adam Idah were then set up for their respective long-range strikes by McCowan, who capped off a productive day at the office by winning the man of the match award.
Thompson, who played for Hibernian, Middlesbrough, McCowan’s old club, Dundee, and the Gers, can’t hide his love for the midfielder: “I think he is top drawer, to be honest,” admitted the 40-year-old (BBC Scottish Football Podcast).
“He’s got it all. He can handle the ball and he’s made to be really successful at Celtic Park the way they dominate the ball.
“He is a risk taker and can handle it in tight areas and see a pass. The next part if he really wants to stamp himself is to start chipping in with goals to get that tally up and be a bit different.
“Moving from Dundee to such a big club, successful team with so much money spent in the summer. So many players who have been there, seen it and done it is such a difficult nut to crack to get in there and make some sort of difference but I am a huge fan.”
Celtic travel to face Aberdeen in a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash tomorrow evening, and there is more than a case for McCowan to start.
The 26-year-old was a standout at the weekend and more than grasped his opportunity in the starting 11.
Granted, there is no room for sentiment in football, but given his Saturday display, and, for that matter, his performances whenever he’s played in green and white, McCowan deserves a place in the lineup again.
Kick-off is at 8pm as the Scottish champions look to extend their lead at the table’s summit.
