What Brendan Rodgers Told Luke McCowan When he Joined Celtic

Luke McCowan’s summer ended in the best possible manner as he completed a deadline-day transfer to Celtic.

The midfielder joined his boyhood club in the dying embers of the window, penning a three-year-deal in Glasgow’s east end.

McCowan’s whirlwind few days were then completed with his Celtic debut, which came in a storming 3-0 Glasgow derby win.

The 26-year-old was introduced for the closing stages of the match and didn’t look out of place, continually demanding the ball in the middle of the park and proving vivacious in the press and counter-press.

He already looks like a shrewd acquisition who could be a useful member of the squad.

The Hoops’ new number 14 was officially unveiled at Celtic Park yesterday, where he faced the media.

McCowan spoke about his ability to play out wide and eagerness for a maiden Scotland call-up.

The ex-Dundee man also discussed his initial conversations with Brendan Rodgers when he signed for the Scottish Premiership champions.

McCowan was asked about his discussions with the boss when he put pen to paper.

“He was just dead calm,” revealed the midfielder (Celtic FC on YouTube).

“He spoke to us and just told us certain areas of my Game which need work.

“It’s about bedding yourself in, that was the main thing, staying myself, stay as loud as you can obviously because that’s how I’ve always been.

“[He said] just be yourself and work hard, be a bit of sponge, and learn off these great players that you’re playing alongside.

“That was his message. It was nothing but helpful.”

McCowan wasn’t Celtic’s most glamorous summer signing, but he could prove to be hugely effective in green and white.

The former Ayr United man counts towards the homegrown quota for Europe and is proven domestically.

He adds an extra layer of depth and quality to Brendan Rodgers’ squad. The manager is on record as previously saying Celtic isn’t the end Game for some, but for McCowan, it certainly is.