Luke McCowan has been making headlines due to his much publicised words in his post-match interview in Stuttgart…
The former Dundee man has been on the fringes of the Celtic side recently, and like everyone else looked drained and devoid of confidence due to the inept Wilfried Nancy era.
Luke however increased his chances of cementing a first team spot in his impressive showing in Germany on Thursday night which had Sandman raving about his display in his Definitive Ratings. The midfielder scored what proved to be the winner on the night after only 30 seconds, and put in an overall decent performance at the home of the 4th placed Bundesliga club.
McCowan like a few others may have given Martin O’Neill some much needed food for thought, but I’d be surprised if he was given the nod to start behind enemy lines, with Reo Hatate being the most obvious choice.
Reo himself has been out of sorts, much like his fellow Japanese international teammate Daizen Maeda. Like Daizen, Reo has the ability to be a match winner on his day due to his undoubted talent.
His critics will suggest that Hatate doesn’t have the ‘heart’ or ‘stomach’ required for such a battle, and it’s a fair assessment due to his recent performances, but what can’t be denied is that he’s a player of great ability, something he’s proved on many occasions previously.
Hatate is capable of moments of brilliance, moments that can decide a game, and that is exactly what we need if we are to be successful tomorrow afternoon. So it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if Martin O’Neill goes with the Japanese international right from the start.
🎥 WATCH: “We know if we’re at it – no team in that league touches us”.
🍀 Luke McCowan gives his thoughts on the Premiership title race and Sunday’s clash with Rangers after scoring in Celtic’s 1-0 win over Stuttgart ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/atMR9cV2W0
— Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (@ClydeSSB) February 26, 2026
Luke McCowan has played himself into contention, and he has the heart, that’s not in doubt, but Reo has the greater ability and that’s why I expect him to get the nod tomorrow.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Why would one drop out, for who?, both started the last game, or are you assuming Nygren comes in?. Nygren is easily one of the worst footballers at this level I have ever seen, and easily as bad as Hatate when it comes to title of ’empty jersey’ this season. Being down a player for a maybe goal isn’t a good gamble in this game where passengers get found out, and as we may already have one in Hatate, 2 would sink us.
ps damned with faint praise idd:)