Sport Nation 2Luke McCowan’s first start for Celtic in their 3-0 victory over Motherwell at Fir Park couldn’t have gone smoother. The 25-year-old forward, newly integrated into the starting lineup, made an instant impact, helping Celtic secure an important Scottish Premiership win. McCowan’s reflections post-game revealed his grounded approach and unwavering commitment to excelling with the team.
McCowan expressed his satisfaction with his debut, stating, “It was great. A three-nil victory. It’s good just to be out there and help the team get the three points.” He emphasized that despite the excitement, he focused on keeping his nerves in check, seeing the opportunity not as a stroke of luck but as the result of hard work. “It’s not as if I’ve won the lottery to get a start,” he explained. “You’ve got to work hard to get that.”
The Goal and Confidence on the Pitch
McCowan scored his first goal for Celtic after attempting to pass to teammate Kyogo Furuhashi, only to have the ball deflect through a Motherwell player’s legs and into the net. “I tried to pass the ball to Kyogo, the boy has shut it off, and I put it in the bottom corner,” he said. Before this, McCowan had taken several shots from outside the box, displaying his readiness to contribute decisively. “You need to show that in training,” he added. “I’ve seen [other players] taking shots from outside the box, so if it needs to be me, it needs to be me.”
McCowan is not the only player confident enough to take ambitious shots from long range; he noted how teammates like Reo Hatate and Paolo Bernardo also regularly attempt similar plays. Although his scoring efficiency could improve, he was pleased to contribute his first goal, stating that it was “just good to get the goal from outside the box.”
Mental Preparation and Mindset Coaching
One factor in McCowan’s calm, collected approach is his work with a mindset coach, whom he first connected with while playing for Dundee. “When I was at Dundee before, I worked with him for maybe six months,” he shared. Upon joining Celtic, he immediately realized he’d need continued mental support due to the heightened expectations at the club. “We speak all the time, week in and week out,” McCowan said, likening these conversations to chats with a family member but with a professional focus on maintaining composure and focus.
McCowan’s demeanor is clearly paying off, as he adapts to the unique pressures of playing for a club as celebrated as Celtic. Rather than allowing himself to get overwhelmed by the attention, he keeps a level head, recognizing his role on the team without succumbing to excessive hype. “It’s a game of football at the end of the day,” he noted. “I know I’ve worked hard to get here.”
Transitioning from Fan to Professional
Adjusting to the professional demands at Celtic has been a journey for McCowan. While thrilled to play for the club he once supported as a fan, he treats it as a career he takes seriously. “It’s like any other promotion in a job, isn’t it?” he remarked. “You get excited when you first get there, but as soon as you’re there, you can’t just put the tools down. You need to go and graft away.” His ultimate goal is not only to be part of the squad but to establish himself as a first-team regular, a feat he’s working toward one game at a time.
Leadership Potential and Learning from Team Veterans
With captain Callum McGregor absent due to injury, Alistair Johnston stepped in to lead the team against Motherwell. Though McCowan captained Dundee previously, he’s biding his time at Celtic before adopting a similar leadership role. “There are league winners in the changing room,” he acknowledged. “I need to learn off of them first.” McCowan sees veteran players like Greg Taylor and Cameron Carter-Vickers as strong voices in the squad, adding that he’s absorbing as much as he can from them.
When asked if he is typically vocal on the field, McCowan admitted that his Dundee teammates could attest to his “shouter and bawler” side. However, he’s aware that Celtic requires a different approach, saying, “I need to rein myself in.” He’s willing to step back and let more experienced players take charge, understanding that the weight of leadership will come with time.
Adapting to Celtic’s Style of Play
Playing for Celtic means adjusting to a possession-based style, which contrasts with McCowan’s previous experience focusing on second balls and channel runs. At Celtic, the emphasis is on regaining possession swiftly and maintaining control of the ball. “It’s about winning the ball back as quickly as we can,” he explained, expressing satisfaction with his growth in this area and his ability to learn from each game.
Returning to Dundee with Confidence
Wednesday’s match will see McCowan return to face his former team, Dundee, a challenge he eagerly anticipates. “I cannot wait,” he said, sharing that it will be rewarding to play against his old squad while representing Celtic. He’s aware of the difficulty of the upcoming game but remains focused on delivering strong performances.
Grounded Off the Field
McCowan is equally mindful of managing his off-field life. Conscious of the excitement surrounding him, he avoids getting caught up in the hype, choosing instead to keep things as normal as possible. His move back home has allowed him to reconnect with family and friends, bringing a sense of balance to his life outside football. “It’s been great. I get to see family more, friends more, so it’s been great.”
McCowan’s lighthearted nature and sense of humor help keep him grounded. He credits his friends and family for ensuring he remains humble. “Aye,” he laughed, “I’ve got a few mates that will tell me if I think I’m getting too big or whatever.” Surrounded by supportive people, he can stay focused on his career without letting success go to his head.
Looking Ahead
McCowan’s composed start with Celtic, paired with his goal-scoring debut, is a testament to his work ethic and mental resilience. As he continues to develop within the squad, he aims to make a lasting impact, aspiring to be a consistent first-team player. For now, he is focused on refining his skills, contributing to the team, and proving himself worthy of a permanent spot in Celtic’s lineup. His journey is far from over, but if his first start is any indication, Luke McCowan’s Celtic career is off to a promising start.
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