Brendan Rodgers lauded Luke McCowan for his patience with the midfield playmaker shining in Celtic’s thumping 5-0 victory over Ross County…

Luke McCowan of Celtic shoots past Eli Campbell of Ross County & Ross County goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw and scores to give Celtic a 2-0 lead. Celtic v Ross County, Scottish match at Celtic Park on 30 November 2024 Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

The 26 year-old was the best player on the pitch yesterday afternoon registering a goal and three assists in a stunning 30 minute period inside the first-half.

Despite not featuring for Celtic post-international break, McCowan made his third start for the Hoops since arriving from Dundee on transfer deadline day in the summer.

Brendan Rodgers rotated his squad with the likes of Paulo Bernardo, Adam Idah, Alex Valle and Luke McCowan all earning deserved starts. The changes were refreshing and added an energy and intensity with Celtic’s stand-in stars reminding their manager the outstanding options he has at his disposal.

Luke McCowan celebrates scoring the second goal during the Celtic v Ross County Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park on Saturday November 30, 2024. Photo Steve Welsh

McCowan’s touch and finish for his individual strike and Celtic’s second of the match exemplified the quality the former Dundee man possesses. Thriving in the environs of his boyhood club, it has been a seamless transition for the new fans-favourite.

It is now nine goal contributions in 12 Premiership matches for McCowan this season, and his patience as a key squad player for the Hoops paid dividends with a fine outing against the Staggies according to boss Brendan Rodgers.

Speaking post-match to Sportsound, Rodgers hailed McCowan’s hard work and technical ability as the qualities of his overall game against Ross County.

“He’s really settled in well. Luke, he’s obviously had to be patient. Obviously, he’s not with us for the cup games,” he said. “He was due to come on in the last couple of games and then we had to make changes because of little injuries in the game.”

“But he gets his reward for how hard he works; I think it tells you everything about him that he hasn’t played for that length of time and for 70-odd minutes, whatever it was, he was so good. His pressing, his energy and his quality, so yeah, it’s so good his form.”

🗣️ ‘I don’t think Santa is going to get booed this year, is he?’ 🎅

🗣️ ‘Hopefully not!’ 🤣

Brendan Rodgers reflects on the progress his Celtic side has made over the past year.#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/KAY5FbDkJw

— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) November 30, 2024