John Hartson impressed by Luke McCowan’s ‘upbeat’ message to Celtic team-mates

McCowan’s story is truly a dream come true and one that every Celtic fan can relate to.

But despite his meteoric start to his Celtic career, it wasn’t his appearance against Rangers that impressed John Hartson.

Those were his comments to the media when McCowan signed for Celtic, when he said he was prepared to wait for his chance but would work hard to show his worth to Brendan Rodgers.

Hartson’s tips for ‘pumping up’ McCowan

Hartson admits he likes what he hears from Celtic’s new summer signing but has issued a warning to McCowan that he is not sure the former Dens Park midfielder will be a regular starter under Brendan Rodgers.

Hartson told The Go Radio Football Show: “Listening to that attitude, I think it’s very optimistic. It sends a message that I haven’t come here to play a supporting role.

“He’s backing himself, which I think every player should do. It’s brilliant. That’s the kind of thing a manager really wants to hear. He’s got real character.”

“So I don’t think he’ll play every game. I think he’ll have to bide his time because we saw how good Bernardo was against Rangers and then obviously Hatate and McGregor were there as well.

“But there will be injuries, there will be opportunities for him. There’s no doubt about that.”

“I like the fact that he backs himself very, very soon after maybe a game. A Celtic fan, that goes out the window. It’s great for Celtic supporters, but it’s not going to make him play well or better.

“It’s a great moment for him to join his childhood club, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to play any better.

“He will still have to show his abilities on the pitch. So for me, he will have matches, but it remains to be seen whether he can become a starter or not.”

Humble McCowan’s self-confidence is endearing

While I agree with Hartson that McCowan’s confidence is admirable, the new summer signing also seems incredibly humble.

McCowan has every reason to back himself, he’s a very good footballer but what I like about him is that he understands that he still has work to do and that a first-team place is not a given.

Listening to the way McCowan is carrying himself, one can’t help but wish him well at Celtic, but with the competition facing him at the moment, it looks like he will have a battle on his hands to break into this team.

And it’s a battle that all Celtic supporters will want him to do well in, as it will inspire others in the squad to raise their collective game, which can only be a good thing for the future.

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