“Chest out, your head high and go and show that you’re a Celtic player,” Luke McCowan | OneFootball

Luke McCowan produced a crucial moment when Celtic needed it most on Sunday against St Mirren, and he revealed that the Hoops are ready to handle the pressure of their Champions League play-off in a few weeks’ time…

Luke McCowan of Celtic shoots to give Celtic a 1-0 lead. Celtic v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 3 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace, IMAGO / Shutterstock (The Celtic Star)

Celtic are set to face a trip to either Kazakhstan or Slovakia in their quest to reach the league stage of Europe’s top table for a fourth consecutive season, having been drawn against Kairat Almaty or Slovan Bratislava, who play their first leg of their qualifying tie this afternoon in Kazakhstan (kick-off is 4pm CPT).

The opening leg at Celtic Park is scheduled for Wednesday 20 August, with Brendan Rodgers’ side set to play Aberdeen at Pittodrie this Sunday  10 August  followed by Falkirk at Paradise in the Premier Sports Cup on Friday 15 August.

Luke McCowan of Celtic celebrates with Celtic captain Callum McGregor after scoring to give Celtic a 1-0 lead. Celtic v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 3 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace, IMAGO / Shutterstock (The Celtic Star)

Securing victory in the play-off would earn the club £40 million and give Celtic the opportunity to build on last season’s impressive European run instead of dropping back into the Europa League slow lane.

However, McCowan, who scored a late decisive goal against St Mirren on Sunday, is confident he and his teammates will rise to the challenge.

Luke McCowan of Celtic celebrates with teammates Callum McGregor & Johnny Kenny after scoring to give Celtic a 1-0 lead. Celtic v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 03 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace. IMAGO / Shutterstock (The Celtic Star)

“These players play under massive pressure all the time,” Luke McCowan

Speaking via The Herald, the 27 year-old said: “These players play under massive pressure all the time. You need to be ready for that pressure, you need to have your chest out, your head high and go and show that you’re a Celtic player.”

“That’s what it demands and that’s what the manager wants. Pressure in a game hopefully brings out your best qualities. I’m sure we will be ready. I mean if you were to ask us if we played it this midweek, I’m sure we’d all be ready.”

“When those games come around, it’s about embracing it and knowing what the challenge is going to be.”

Luke McCowan of Celtic celebrates scoring to give Celtic a 1-0 lead. Celtic v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, Glasgow, 3 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace, IMAGO / Shutterstock (The Celtic Star)

Last season, Celtic advanced to the knockout stage of the Champions League for the first time in 12 years, only to be eliminated by a stoppage-time goal against Bayern Munich in Germany.

“I think we showed that last year, but it’s about proving it again,” McCowan said. “There’s always a demand for more at this club.”

Conor Spence

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