LUKE McCOWAN’S debut for Celtic was a lot more enjoyable than his previous appearance at Parkhead.
On Sunday, the midfielder, bought for £1million from Dundee in a deadline-day switch, lived the dream when he was given the nod by Brendan Rodgers in the 76th minute to replace Reo Hatate.
Callum McGregor had just thumped the champions into an unassailable 3-0 lead against Philippe Clement’s Ibrox side and the sell-out stadium was bouncing.
McCowan, a lfelong Hoops fan, took his place in the middle of the park as the hosts coasted to three points.
THE OLD AND THE NEW…James Forrest, celebrating his 500th appearance, and debut Bhoy Luke McCowan speak to Celtic TV aftter the 3-0 derby victory.
Contrast that with McCowan at the same venue on February 24 as he captained the Dens Park which was on the receiving end of a 7-1 pummelling from Rodgers’ men who were heading for their third successive title.
The 26-year-old former Ayr United star teamed up with James Forrest, celebrating his 500th outing for the team, at the end of his memorable bow to talk to Celtic TV.
McCowan is in no doubt what lies ahead as he admitted: “It’s a dream come true, but there’s a lot of work to go.
“Of course, this was a great occasion and the result spoke for itself. The form of the team now is amazing.
“For me to come into it and learn while being able to share a dressing room with the likes of James and Cal is amazing.
“There are things to learn, but it’s been brilliant.”
McCowan is eager to keep going, but he’ll have to wait until Saturday September 14 before he gets the opportunity to pull on the green-and-white hoops again.
The champions will host Hearts and another fixture for the tenacious midfielder to look forward to is the visit of his former Tayside team-mates in the east end of Glasgow on October 30.
