Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo are the two players that Michael Stewart would “definitely” select for Celtic.
Celtic supporters are fortunate to have a number of talented players in the squad who can step in from the sidelines and perform a task.
Brendan Rodgers executed an exceptional summer transfer strategy by spending more than £30 million at Celtic. He recruited players such as Auston Trusty, Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo, and Luke McCowan.
Although all four of these players have had a significant impact on Celtic this season, there is a debate regarding who should be the starting midfielder in the Hoops squad, alongside Callum McGregor.
At the weekend, Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo were afforded a significant opportunity to make their debuts against Ross County at Celtic Park.
Michael Stewart delivered his significant judgement on who he would prefer to see start for Celtic this season between McCowan and Bernardo, and both players scored in the 5-0 victory.
Michael Stewart provides an explanation for his decision to select Luke McCowan for Celtic over Paulo Bernardo.
Stewart stated on BBC Radio Scotland, “Luke McCowan has been impressive thus far, and I am of the opinion that there is certainly potential for him to receive additional playing time.”
“In my opinion, if you were to ask me to choose between Luke McCowan and [Paulo] Bernardo, I would personally choose Luke McCowan.”
“And it is good to see him get a game today and to see that he is getting on the score sheet. Yes, he has settled in quickly.”
“He is an exceptionally talented player.” If Arne Engels is not involved, Luke McCowan should represent Celtic in the Champions League. However, the discussion did not conclude at that point.
Stewart contends that Rodgers must reconsider his European strategy and include McCowan in his squad, as he appears to favour either Engels or Bernardo for the starting position in Champions League games for Celtic.
Stewart responded, “Yes, I personally would, because I believe he is a goal threat, he is involved, and he is bright.”
When asked if McCowan should start more games in UEFA’s premier tournament, Stewart continued, “Yes, I would.” “Brendan Rodgers will observe certain aspects of training, and it is possible that he will observe something that I am not currently aware of.”
“However, I have a personal fondness for him.” I have admired him as a player for a number of years, and when I observe him at Celtic, he appears to be the type of player who has firmly established himself.
You perceive him as a player who will continue to develop and improve as a result of the superior players around him.
“And he has a significant impact.” He has delivered the ball to the corner for Liam Scales’ goal during his set piece deliveries.
“His general deliveries from a wide range of locations are satisfactory.” He is a potential goal scorer. I admire him as a performer, and I am confident that he would be on my mind if Engels were not involved.
I assume Celtic fans should be grateful for the abundance of talent in the squad, as any of these players could potentially contribute to the team in addition to Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate.
And another advantage is that Rodgers has at least three players in reserve who are prepared to replace them if either McGregor or Hatate requires recovery or experiences a decline in performance.
This will prevent a substantial decline in quality. Inevitably, McCowan will be exposed to an increased amount of first-team football this season.
Celtic’s fixture schedule will ensure that. Given that Rodgers will be required to play three games in seven days starting on Wednesday, it is probable that all named Celtic midfielders will be utilised at some stage.
This is in order to maintain the health, fitness, and vitality of his squad in preparation for the Scottish Premiership title race and the Champions League challenge.
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