Luke McCowan is another “good soldier” at Celtic Park. What a credit this lad is.

One of the topics I return to over and over again on this site is the subject of the “good soldier.”

We have so many of them in this Celtic team at the moment, and it’s one of the key reasons we’re the strongest side in the country. There’s no one in this squad who doesn’t perfectly embody the team ethos.

I’ve often highlighted Tony Ralston as an example. His willingness to serve as the backup right-back, coming into the side without complaint whenever needed, is a testament to his attitude. He’s been doing this consistently for years. Greg Taylor is another shining example; almost from the moment he signed, he’s had to endure relentless speculation about who would replace him in the team. Yet through it all, he simply gets on with the job.

This is what defines a “good soldier”: always ready for duty, sharp, dependable, and willing to work without grumbling. Building a team full of good soldiers takes an exceptional manager, someone who ensures that no one feels overlooked and that everyone gets opportunities to shine.

Of course, there are exceptions. Take Luis Palma, for instance; he doesn’t appear particularly happy when left out of the team, and that’s understandable. Yet it’s the attitude that goes with that which Rodgers unquestionably finds least appealing, and might explain why he’s been dropped entirely from the side for the moment.

But for most of the players, they understand their role and fulfil it admirably. Even extremely talented individuals like Liam Scales or Paulo Bernardo recognise they won’t play every week. Some matches, they might not get on the pitch at all. Yet they still put the team above themselves, and this ethos is deeply embedded in the squad.

That’s why I was gratified, though not surprised, to read Luke McCowan’s comments at the weekend. He has embraced this ethos fully. When given his opportunity, he looked as sharp as you could have hoped for, and his time out of the spotlight hasn’t made him bitter or frustrated. His comments after the match were all about the team, his role within it, and how he values being part of the squad. He’s the latest player to show that he’s a good soldier.

Luke is a great example for any player coming into this team either from the academy or those we might target in the transfer market, including youngsters like Lennon Miller.

He demonstrates all the qualities you’d want in a Celtic player: a willingness to work hard, make sacrifices, and take his chance when it comes. And he does it all while recognising that his role is part of something bigger than himself.

What makes Luke’s situation even more admirable is that he’s not some young kid getting an early opportunity. He’s 26 years old and in the prime of his career.

For years, at Dundee and earlier in his career, he played almost constantly whenever he was fit. To now be in a squad as competitive as Celtic’s, where game time is less guaranteed, could understandably be frustrating. Yet Luke has embraced the challenge. He speaks like someone who knows he’s living the dream and appreciates every minute of it. There’s no bitterness or resentment, only determination to play his part in this squad.

This mindset is especially important at a club the size of Celtic. Players must accept they aren’t guaranteed starts, that they need to keep improving, and that they must seize opportunities when they arise. Luke McCowan embodies this perfectly—and has immense talent to back it up. Without that there wouldn’t be much point in the rest of it.

But think of what it means to him, at 26, to suddenly get the stage on which to show those talents off, and to be willing to be patient and disciplined enough to wait? That’s incredible, and that’s part of the reason he’s here. He’s got the right mentality.

At Dundee, Luke averaged a goal every four games, a remarkable record for a player in his position. At Celtic, despite limited starts, he’s averaging a goal every three games. He’s also contributed three assists. This is the kind of impact we dream of when signing a player.

It’s astounding that we got him so cheaply. For just £1.6 million, Celtic secured a player with immense potential, beating competition from Hibs and Aberdeen. It’s even more surprising that no English club swooped in with a similar offer. It was a deadline day deal that raised eyebrows at the time, but no one is questioning it now.

Luke McCowan is a player who supported Celtic, worked his way up through the lower leagues, and is now reaping the rewards as he enters his peak years. People like this are the foundation of a strong squad, and they leave no one with regrets. He’s already a key player, and his importance will only grow with time. With his attitude, mentality, and skill set, Luke McCowan is poised to be a vital part of this team for years to come.

He is a perfect example for any young player just making his way in the sport. He epitomises the team ethos which builds success. Good soldiers are hard to find in this ego driven game. We are lucky to have some many of them at Celtic Park.