James Forrest and Luke McCowan worthy of starts at Pittodrie | OneFootball

After Celtic’s less than convincing performance in the opening day victory over St Mirren there could be a case for any squad player getting a chance in the starting XI for tomorrow’s tough trip to Pittodrie to face the Scottish Cup holders Aberdeen.

James Forrest of Celtic. Celtic Training Session at Lennoxtown, 01 August 2025. Photo: Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock.

The two players I’m thinking about in particular are James Forrest and Luke McCowan as both made a real impact from the bench against St Mirren and in doing so staked their claim for a starting slot tomorrow. Both played significant roles in Celtic eventually getting the three points with Jamesy getting the assist and Luke scoring our last gasp winner over the Buddies on Flag Day last Sunday.

James Forrest, who is our most experienced player, was introduced in the second half and showed more spark and positivity than the man he replaced Yang in his short spell on the pitch as he looked to create something at every opportunity.

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)

Both players will be in the manager’s thoughts for Pittodrie tomorrow

Luke McCowan was of course the goal hero as his effort secured a vital win, and like Jamesy he looked bright and confident in his short time on the pitch.

Both players should be in Brendan’s thoughts for the trip to the north-east as we aim to keep up our winning start to the new campaign in what is a vital month for Celtic.

Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers Celtic v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 3 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace, IMAGO / Shutterstock (The Celtic Star)

Celtic in dire need of new signings in the forward area

We are of course in dire need of fresh faces in the attacking third. I’m confident we will add to our squad in the coming weeks, but as for now we are certainly short in numbers and quality in that position. However James Forrest and Luke McCowan are both forward thinking players with an eye making and taking a goal. Both could start at this moment in time and I reckon that Jamesy at least will, with Luke coming off the bench.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Conor Spence attended the Celtic fan media conference at Celtic Park on Thursday to represent The Celtic Star and to speak to Celtic legend James Forrest alongside supporters from four other fan media outlets. Here’s the video…

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Danny McGrain lifts the trophy in 1981. Photo The Celtic Wiki

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