Luke McCowan – Celtic’s most understated arrival | OneFootball

Luke McCowan might be one of the more understated arrivals at Celtic in recent times, but the quietly confident midfielder is already setting his sights high – not just on making an impact at Celtic in the upcoming season, but also on earning a call-up to Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Luke McCowan. Queen’s Park 0-1 Celtic. 4 July 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Speaking after a strong start to pre-season for Celtic with a win over Queens Park, McCowan was in a bullish but grounded mood. “I’m feeling great,” McCowan said, as reported by Daily Record. “It’s good to get a pre-season and just work on the parts of my game that I need to improve. Hopefully by the time the league comes that I’ve improved and I can use it going into the season.”

That mix of self-awareness and ambition is precisely the mindset Celtic fans like to see – players who know they have something to prove, and the appetite to chase it.

Luke McCowan.Queen’s Park 0-1 Celtic. 4 July 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

For McCowan, it’s about getting better, earning his place on a regular basis, and seeing where that takes him. He’s not shy in admitting the national team is in his sights – even if he’s well aware of the competition.

“It’s outwith my control,” McCowan admits when asked about international recognition. “I just need to keep doing what I have been doing and if I can add numbers and more game time in the league this year, hopefully it’ll come around.”

And then comes the line that says everything about his mindset: “Is it achievable? Of course, 100 percent. You would always like to think that. I have something to offer at Celtic, so why can’t I do it with Scotland?”

Scotland manager Steve Clarke (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

It’s hard to argue with that logic. If McCowan can contribute in Celtic colours, there’s no reason why he can’t step up to the dark blue of Scotland too. That confidence isn’t arrogance – it’s the belief of a player who knows he’s entering the prime of his career and is ready to take it up a notch.

“I’m sure at some point, if I was to keep the level I have been doing here, it’ll come along,” he said. “And if it does, then I’ll come out with open arms and be delighted with it. I’d be absolutely honoured to go and put that top on and represent my country.”

He’s not blind to reality, of course. “Just now, it’s not happening,” he admits. “But I’m sure if I was to play well enough in the times ahead, I’m sure it’ll hopefully come along.”

Luke McCowan celebrates, James Forrest and Anthony Ralston look delighted. Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

With the next World Cup cycle already looming in the background, McCowan knows that now is the time to build momentum. “I know (the World Cup is coming up), exactly. Listen, it’s not something that I’m totally focused on. I’m focused on Celtic, but if that was to come along, I’d be absolutely delighted.”

And while he’s focused on his own performances first and foremost, there’s always the possibility of a helping hand – or word – from a familiar face.

Luke McCowan. Dundee United v Celtic, 26 April 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“Exactly, that’s a good point,” he added with a smile when asked if his former Celtic teammate Greg Taylor might put in a good word. “Maybe I’ll need to get Greg’s ear to say to the manager!”

One thing’s for sure – if Luke McCowan builds on the performances he showed for Celtic last season, the conversation around his international future might be starting sooner than he thinks. And with the World Cup on the horizon, and creativity in short supply for the national team, don’t bet against another Celt forcing his way into Steve Clarke’s plans.

Niall J

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