Luke McCowan is relishing the rare luxury of a full week of training as Celtic gear up for Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final against Hibs at Celtic Park.
The midfielder, who joined the Hoops on Deadline Day from Dundee, missed the club’s first two trips to Hampden this season due to being cup-tied in the Premier Sports League Cup. Now, if Celtic can get past Hibs, he’ll finally get his chance to experience a semi-final at the national stadium in April.
McCowan played in Celtic’s 2-1 league defeat to Hibs two weeks ago, featuring in a difficult first 45 minutes before being replaced at half-time by Reo Hatate. However, with a full week to prepare, he believes the team is in great shape heading into Sunday’s clash. [Celtic TV]
“Different. Getting more sleep. It’s been nice though, especially for me. Probably at the start of the season, you’re getting a couple of games that are week-to-week. So it’s nice for me to be in and get a full week training again.
“I wasn’t used to that hectic schedule of playing in almost three cups. So no, it’s been good, and the boys have been loving it. It’s been a good lead-up to the game Sunday.
“It’s just about being on the training ground. It’s less on the legs than it is travelling and playing a game. It’s almost about seeing the boys for longer as well. When you’re in the training ground, you’re getting to hang out with everybody more and see staff more.
“Some tactical bits here and there, of course. But it’s just about being home and getting to see your family more as well. That helps morale around the place.”
With 7,000 Hibs fans travelling through to Glasgow, the visitors will be fired up for the challenge, especially after their recent win over Celtic in Leith. However, with McCowan and the rest of the squad getting a full week to recharge, Celtic will be confident of securing their place at Hampden.
The draw for the next round will be on BBC, after St Johnstone and Livingston play out their match on Monday night. Hearts have already booked their place at Hampden, after they beat Dundee on Friday night.
