CELTIC new Bhoy Luke McCowan was ordered to rest – by his former Dundee boss Tony Docherty.
The midfielder sealed a £1million switch to the champions from the Tayside outfit on deadline day and made his quickfire debut in the 3-0 derby romp at Parkhead on Sunday.
It’s been a whirlwind period in the life of the 26-year-old boyhood Hoops fan and his ex-gaffer at Dens Park has no doubt the player will make an impact in Brendan Rodgers’ squad.
Docherty said: “Knowing his spirit, he’ll go and be successful at Celtic. He will make sure that he does well there.
“Luke’s not just going there to fill a jersey, he’ll do well there because he’s got the mentality to do well.
CAPTAIN’S ROLE…Luke McCowan challenges Kyogo Furuhashi for possession in Celtic’s 2-1 win at Dundee in April.
“That’s the most rewarding part of the job when you’ve helped somebody along the way, not just me, all the staff. They need to take a great amount of credit for it and his team-mates too.”
Despite the lack of sleep before his dream first appearance against Philippe Clement’s stunned Ibrox side at a pulsating Parkhead, McCowan had plans to travel back to Dundee the following day to say a personal thank-you to his former manager and team-mates.
Doc, though, ordered McCowan to catch up with his rest.
The Dens gaffer, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “Obviously, there are mixed emotions regarding Luke because you don’t want to lose someone who is such a good player, but, for Luke, I couldn’t be more happy.
“You’ve seen all the pictures and his reaction. He phoned me on Saturday night and said he’d only five hours sleep, he’s absolutely running on adrenaline.
“He was actually meant to come see us on Monday, but I said just get your head down, get a sleep, catch up on your hours and we’ll catch you another time.
PARADISE…Luke McCowan arrives in a £1million switch on Friday night.
“We are all absolutely delighted for him, you couldn’t ask for a better boy.”
Docherty added: “He’s moved on to bigger things and that’s what you’re in it for – to develop and improve players. When that happens, you can take a deal of satisfaction.
“But all the credit goes to Luke and his team-mates.”
McCowan now has the opportunity for a breather during the international break with Scotland due to play two Nations League games against Poland at Hampden tonight and Portugal in Lisbon on Sunday.
However, the all-action middle-of-the-park performer can look forward to a second appearance for the champions when Hearts visit Parkhead a week on Saturday.
