Confidence can take you a long way at Celtic but only if it’s backed up on the pitch. Right now, Luke McCowan is learning that the hard way.
In the aftermath of Celtic’s dismal 2-0 defeat to Dundee United, the spotlight has fallen firmly on the midfielder and not for the right reasons. What should have been a routine defensive moment instead turned into a snapshot of everything that’s going wrong.
When Enock Agyei stepped up to fire home United’s second, McCowan was there… but not really there. Positioned on the edge of the box, he failed to close down the shot, despite having time and space to react. It summed up a performance and arguably a season lacking urgency.
Kris Boyd didn’t hold back in his analysis.
“But why is he charging with his hands in the air for? I don’t get why he is running out there with his hands in the air.”
That moment has quickly become a talking point, not just because of the goal, but because of what it represents. Celtic had bodies back. They had numbers. Yet the basics — pressing, blocking, reacting — simply weren’t there.
Boyd wasn’t alone in his criticism either. The Sky Sports panel were all in agreement that more had to be done in that situation.
Kris Boyd: “Hatate is looking over his shoulder for help straight away. Then he gets committed. He is all over the place. Dundee United keep it alive. Celtic have got bodies back.
“But that was like Celtic all afternoon. They had bodies back there. I am not sure, is it Luke McCowan?”
James McFadden: “Even for me, Luke McCowan. He has to get out there (and block the shot).”
Aiden McGeady: “He has to get out there. He has to charge at the ball.”
Boyd: “But why is he charging with his hands in the air for? I don’t get why he is running out there with his hands in the air.”
For a player who understands the club — a boyhood Celtic fan living the dream — moments like this hit harder. Supporters expect effort as a minimum. What they saw instead was hesitation.
It also doesn’t help that McCowan’s recent words are now being thrown back at him. Just weeks ago, he confidently stated that “no team in this league touches Celtic” when they’re at their best.
Right now, those words feel a long way from reality.
This season was supposed to be an opportunity for McCowan to establish himself, especially in a Celtic side that has struggled for consistency. Instead, he’s drifted in and out without ever fully convincing. Performances like the one at Tannadice only raise more questions.
With the title race slipping and pressure building, every mistake is magnified. And when a player talks big but fails to deliver in key moments, the scrutiny only intensifies.
As Celtic look ahead to a crucial summer rebuild, decisions will have to be made. McCowan’s talent isn’t in doubt — but whether he can handle the demands of playing for Celtic is now firmly up for debate.
Because at this level, it’s simple: confidence gets you noticed, but performance keeps you in the team.