Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan has been shockingly left out of Steve Clarke’s latest Scotland squad, despite his outstanding performances for the Hoops this season. The omission has raised eyebrows among Celtic supporters, who have watched the playmaker make a significant impact since his deadline-day move in the summer from Dundee.

A Standout Season for McCowan

McCowan has enjoyed a remarkable season, making 39 appearances across all competitions for both Dundee and Celtic. In that time, he has registered 9 goals and 12 assists—an impressive return, particularly given how often he has been asked to make an impact off the bench. His creativity and energy have added an extra spark to Celtic’s midfield, making him a key player for Brendan Rodgers.

Overlooked in Favour of Others

Despite his fine form, McCowan was overlooked by Clarke in favour of midfielders such as Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Billy Gilmour, Lennon Miller, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, and Scott McTominay. While these players are established names in the Scotland setup, with the exception of Lennon Miller—McCowan’s exclusion has left many questioning whether Clarke should have rewarded his excellent performances with a call-up.

A Game-Changer for Celtic

The boyhood Hoops supporter has often been a difference-maker for Celtic, turning games in their favour when coming off the bench. A prime example was his vital assist against Hibernian at Celtic Park on Sunday, where he provided a stoppage-time assist for Adam Idah’s goal. His ability to influence games in key moments makes his absence from the national squad even more baffling.

What’s Next for McCowan?

While missing out on the Scotland squad will be a disappointment, McCowan will no doubt use it as motivation to continue his strong form for Celtic. If he keeps delivering in big moments, Clarke may have no choice but to reconsider his decision in the future. Until then, McCowan will remain focused on helping Celtic push for a domestic treble before the season ends.