Luke McCowan reflected on a pivotal moment in Celtic’s recent European campaign following a penalty shootout in their Champions League qualifying round. After two goalless matches against Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty, McCowan stepped up to take a crucial penalty following Adam Idah's missed attempt. However, his shot was saved by Kairat’s goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov, a miss that contributed to Celtic’s exit from the competition and the loss of an estimated £40 million in potential revenue.
The 28-year-old midfielder described the experience as one of the toughest moments in his career and acknowledged the mental challenge it posed. He credits working with a mental coach for helping him cope with the disappointment. “It’s just about putting yourself out there again,” McCowan said, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and focusing on upcoming matches. He also expressed hope that Celtic can avoid the anxiety of another penalty shootout in future qualifiers.
Last season, after their unexpected exit from the Champions League, Celtic competed in the Europa League, where McCowan played a significant role. He scored a decisive penalty against Stuttgart, securing Celtic’s progress in the competition. Reflecting on that experience, McCowan expressed confidence in his ability to handle high-pressure situations in the future. “If I need to be in that situation again, I know I’m confident enough and technically good enough to go and score,” he stated.
A lifelong Celtic supporter, McCowan reminisced about the memorable Champions League nights he witnessed as a fan, particularly recalling the 2012 victory over Barcelona with Tony Watt’s standout performance. Having spent much of the 2024-25 season on the bench for Europe’s premier competition, McCowan is eager to play a more active role as Celtic pursue a return to the Champions League group stages.
Under manager Martin O’Neill, the team aims to rekindle the ambitions and successes of previous eras. McCowan highlighted the importance of experience and mentality in European fixtures, drawing on the lessons learned from victories away at clubs like Feyenoord and Stuttgart during their Europa League run. “It’s just mentality,” he said, noting how a core group of players demonstrated assurance even in challenging away matches.
Celtic’s recent European struggles have been a source of frustration for supporters, but McCowan remains optimistic. He emphasized the club’s determination to hear the Champions League anthem once again at Parkhead and encouraged younger players to embrace the significance of European competition. O’Neill, now 74, maintains high standards and motivates the team with a blend of seriousness and humor, as McCowan noted, providing a supportive environment for the squad’s ambitions.
As Celtic prepare for upcoming qualifying matches, McCowan’s experience—from both the highs and lows of European competition—positions him as a key figure in the club’s ongoing quest to return to Europe’s top table.