Exclusive Luke McCowan interview on Celtic TV | OneFootball

As Celtic prepare for the return of Premiership action this weekend against Hearts, Luke McCowan has spoken about the determination in the squad to bounce back from the derby defeat, the hunger to finish the season strong, and the pride he’s taken in his journey in the Hoops so far.

The midfielder reflected honestly on the Glasgow derby result, with time over the international break offering space for the squad to regroup and reset ahead of the final stretch.

“I think obviously since the international boys have been away, it’s given people time to reflect.” McCowan told Celtic TV.

“The mood this week has been - get yourself in and train as hard as you can. That’s the best way to get over a defeat, especially even against your rivals. So, the mood in the camp is good. We’ve got to be focused for the next match and put in a good performance.”

With no fixture immediately after the result, McCowan admitted that the desire to bounce back quickly was there, but the group has used the time wisely.

“That’s probably the easiest way to deal with any defeat, regardless of who it’s against or when it’s in the season.” he said.

“You always want to bounce back with a victory. But we know in the time off you need to reflect on it, think about it, and make it right for the next game coming.”

That next game comes at Celtic Park today (Saturday) against Hearts, a team McCowan has fond memories of scoring against earlier this season. A special moment on his home debut.

“Even when I look back on it, sometimes it’s hard to realise how quickly it happened for myself as well. It’s a dream come true really.” McCowan said.

“I’m just glad it was Jimmy [Forrest] that set me up and even Luis (Palma) not letting me celebrate! It was a really special moment and I’m glad I had my family there to see it happen.”

Since that goal, the winger has gone on to register six goals and seven assists in just 13 starts, contributing strongly to what has already been a silverware-winning season for the Bhoys.

“I’m happy.” he admitted.

“To be honest, I’ve played more games and more starts than I thought was going to happen. It’s just about using the confidence to push yourself into fighting for positions and having an impact in games.

“Though, I don’t think I’m ever fully pleased with how my season is going. I could be on 20-odd goals like Daizen and he’d still want more. I’m always striving for more.”

That drive is shared across the squad as they push towards the Scottish Premiership title and prepare for a huge Scottish Cup semi-final on the horizon with St Johnstone at Hampden Park.

He added: “Obviously a lot of people can look at it and think if you lose a derby at home, how can it still be a good season?

“But if you come to the end of the season with hopefully three trophies in the bag, you can maybe think about that. Still, you don’t think about it yet. It’s about getting the league over the line first.

“It’s a weird one trying to put a positive spin on it, but that’s what’s needed. I’m sure the boys will be pushing as hard as we can to get the league done as quickly as we can.”

For McCowan personally, the thought of becoming a league champion after his journey through the Scottish game is one he admits would be deeply emotional.

“I’d probably be greeting.” he smiled.

“It sounds silly to say, but I wouldn’t have ever thought it was happening. In football, you don’t get much time to reflect, but if that day comes along it’ll be a special moment for myself and my fiancée who has been with me from the very start.

“I’m sure the two of us will have our tissues ready on the pitch, but it’s about pushing so that it comes as soon as it can.”

You can watch the full interview with Luke McCowan now by subscribing to Celtic TV, as well as the full match live if you are outside the UK and Ireland.

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Fixtures

Celtic Vs. Heart of Midlothian - Sat, Mar 29th 2025, 15:00