Luke McCowan’s journey from Dundee to Celtic Park has been an unusual one, but the 27-year-old midfielder is keeping his feet firmly on the ground as he adjusts to life under Brendan Rodgers.

He used to view the Celtic manager as a “superstar”, but now, after daily conversations and working under him, he’s his manager.

The £1 million deadline-day signing may have arrived with less fanfare than record arrival Arne Engels, but McCowan has wasted no time making his mark at Parkhead in midfield.

It’s actually probably helped that his move was slightly under the radar for a small fee from a smaller club than Celtic, it meant that there was no expectation on him.

The player has already notched three goals in 13 Premiership appearances, proving himself as a valuable addition to Rodgers’ squad, stepping in and starring when required.

McCowan’s ability to adapt quickly to the heightened expectations at Celtic has been vital, especially given the intense scrutiny that comes with pulling on the famous green-and-white hoops.

Speaking to the Daily Record, McCowan reflected on the shift in demands since his move from Dundee:

“In terms of the demands to win every game, you definitely get a sense of it when you don’t win at Dundee United immediately after a Cup Final victory.

“But even when I was at Dundee, I put demands on myself every week. So, that’s not changed.

“At Dundee, you get away with losing more games. There’s more spotlight and magnitude at Celtic. But I put high demands on myself every day, whether that’s in games or in training.

“Some things are different at Celtic. I bump into more people who are Celtic fans, for a start. They obviously recognise me more, but that’s not something you can’t deal with.

“And I don’t see Brendan Rodgers as this kind of superstar anymore. He’s my manager. I have conversations with him every day.”

He’s been a terrific signing, and there is hopefully more to come for the player, who will be pushing for a starting spot in the midfield.