LUKE McCOWAN is aiming for the stars while remaining grounded since his £1million arrival from Dundee on deadline day.
The 27-year-old midfielder’s dream move was somewhat eclipsed by the champions splashing a record £11million on Belgian playmaker Arne Engels from Bundesliga club Augsburg on the same day.
Earlier in Celtic’s beat-the-clock deals, USA international Auston Trusty joined in a £6million switch from Sheffield United to help bolster Brendan Rodgers’ central defensive options.
Greenock-born McCowan, a lifelong Hoops fan, may have slipped under the radar, but he has made up for lost time by hitting the ground running in the east end of Glasgow.
AIR WE GO…Luke McCowan shows true grit as he challenges for a high ball in the Tannadice encounter.
He made his debut alongside Engels as a second-half substitute in the 3-0 stroll against Philippe Clement’s Ibrox outfit at Parkhead at the beginning of September.
McCowan missed out on a Premier Sports League Cup winners’ medal a fortnight ago after appearing for the Dens Park club earlier in the competition which rendered him unavailable.
But the disappointment won’t cloud his focus as he hopes to get the nod to play against St Johnstone this afternoon as Rodgers’ men bring down the curtain on a successful 2024 in Paradise.
Looking at the somersault in his career, the all-action middle-of-the-park performer, who also spent four years at Ayr United, said: “I’m trying not to reflect on the move here – I’ll probably only do that when I retire. I’m just taking it day by day.
“It’s been class so far and I’ve probably played more than I thought I would. But that’s credit to myself and the hard work I’ve put in. So, I just need to keep it going.
“I thought I was going to struggle, but it’s been quite seamless. That was obviously my plan before it. When I was at Dundee, I always tried to prepare myself mentally for getting a bigger move. And it’s paying off for me now.
ON THE BALL…Luke McCowan in control in his midfield berth.
“I wouldn’t say I had doubts about coming here. I’d played against Celtic, so I knew I was good enough to be here. It was more about how big the squad is. Everyone is an international player.
“That’s the big difference, coming into a squad of 24 good players who could start games. So, you know it’s going to be tougher. That’s the thing that’s in your mind. You need to step up and do it.”
After 13 Premiership appearances and three goals, McCowan is well aware of the constant challenges to produce at Parkhead and, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “In terms of the demands to win every game, you definitely get a sense of it when you don’t win at Dundee United immediately after a Cup Final victory.
“But even when I was at Dundee, I put demands on myself every week. So, that’s not changed.
“At Dundee, you get away with losing more games. There’s more spotlight and magnitude at Celtic. But I put high demands on myself every day, whether that’s in games or in training.
“Some things are different at Celtic. I bump into more people who are Celtic fans, for a start. They obviously recognise me more, but that’s not something you can’t deal with.
“And I don’t see Brendan Rodgers as this kind of superstar anymore. He’s my manager. I have conversations with him every day.”
JOY BHOYS…Luke McCowan is congratulated by James Forrest after the midfielder’s goal in the 3-0 win over Motherwell at Fir Park in October.
McCowan added: “He has been exactly the same way with me from day one. He’s put the utmost confidence in me and I just had to repay him by gaining his trust within games and training.
“I’ve tried to feel comfortable around the place so he’ll then see that on the pitch. But he hasn’t changed since the day I signed.
“The way he is helps the boys, he’s consistent with his message, but, for us, it’s about keeping consistency in your own life, as well.
“You have to prepare mentally the same way for every game. I know when it’s the Champions League, there are a lot more eyes on you, but you just have to keep everything as simple as possible.
“We’ve got St Johnstone and then Rangers coming up now, but you can’t start looking too far ahead.
“I know people will say the second of those games is bigger, but if we drop points here on Sunday, suddenly things can change.”
*DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v St Johnstone this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
