Why Celtic Midfielder Luke McCowan Has Been Backed for Return After Squad Snub

Luke McCowan has been encouraged to fight his way back into Celtic’s plans after being left out of the squad for their last two domestic fixtures.

The midfielder made his first start of the season in Celtic’s 1-0 defeat to Rangers before the international break. However, he has since watched from the stands as Martin O’Neill’s side defeated Motherwell and thrashed Hearts 7-1.

McCowan was included in the 25-man Europa League squad for the trip to Benfica but remained an unused substitute as Celtic suffered another disappointing result in Europe.

Despite his recent struggles for game time, former Dundee manager Tony Docherty believes the 28-year-old has the resilience to overcome the setback and earn another opportunity at Celtic.

With competition for midfield places increasing, McCowan faces a difficult challenge to work his way back into O’Neill’s thinking.

Benjamin Nygren strengthened his case with two goals in the emphatic win over Hearts, while Mika Baur has continued to demonstrate why Celtic brought him to the club. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has also offered valuable composure in midfield.

Nevertheless, Docherty insists McCowan should not be written off after a difficult spell.

Tony Docherty backs Luke McCowan to bounce back

Docherty worked with McCowan at Dundee before the midfielder completed a deadline-day move to Celtic, and the pair have remained in regular contact since his departure.

Speaking on Open Goal, the former Dundee boss acknowledged that his ex-player was experiencing a challenging period but backed him to respond positively.

“I saw him yesterday and we had a good chat,” Docherty said. “We keep in touch regularly. That can be difficult [being dropped after a difficult spell]. I know he’s going through a bit of a tough time at the moment. All through his career he’s been resilient and faced adversity so I would back him to get through it.”

Those comments offer encouragement to McCowan as he attempts to regain his place in a Celtic side with several players competing for the same positions.

The midfielder has already experienced difficult moments since arriving at Parkhead, but Docherty’s confidence in his character suggests he believes McCowan can respond to his latest setback.

McCowan looking to move on from difficult Celtic spell

McCowan came under significant criticism following Celtic’s Champions League play-off defeat to LASK.

The midfielder lost possession in the build-up to the Austrian side’s decisive extra-time goal, making it a particularly difficult night for the summer recruit.

The backlash continued on social media, and McCowan subsequently deleted his Instagram account following a barrage of abuse.

His recent absence from the domestic squads has added to the uncertainty surrounding his immediate role at Celtic, although it does not necessarily mean his time in O’Neill’s plans is over.

Celtic face a demanding run of fixtures, which could provide opportunities for squad rotation and give McCowan a chance to demonstrate his value.

However, the 7-1 victory over Hearts has strengthened the claims of several players currently ahead of him in the pecking order. Nygren’s goals, Baur’s performances and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s composure have given O’Neill encouraging options to work with.

McCowan will therefore need to make the most of any opportunity that comes his way.

For now, Docherty’s backing provides a reminder that the midfielder has overcome adversity throughout his