Luke McCowan proved why he deserves to start for Celtic with a goal and three assists against Ross County in a performance that highlights the energy and directness he brings to this Hoops side.
McCowan has bided his time, and this afternoon was a performance to remember winning Man of the Match.
He was at the heart of everything that went well, a sign that he is ready to start.
The former Dundee captain has hardly put a foot wrong in his time at his boyhood club with some impressive substitute appearances.
However, doing so from the start is a whole different story and shows that he may push this Celtic team up another gear.
His ability to score and press was well known before joining in the summer transfer window.
However, other aspects of his game, like his set-piece delivery and mentality, are a breath of fresh air from a player who some in the Scottish media regarded as a rotation option, with McCowan himself having very different ideas.
At 26 years old, he is ready to be a part of this Celtic team for the next generation, with his ability to play a number of roles across midfield being a real strength in a team where starting spots are as difficult to come by as they have ever been in recent memory.
Respectfully Michael, this is why you do what you do, and Brendan does what he does!
McCowan was brilliant today! No question. But we had a squad full of brilliant players and a squad bulging with midfield super-talented stars, any one of them who can lay claim to being an automatic starter on Wednesday. One we know for certain who is going to start is Callum McGregor. From there, I’m happy regardless at whoever the others are! We have an abundance of strength and talent, and back-up talent if necessary, to choose from.
Stick to doing your stuff!