Bold Celtic words, now Bhoys need to justify them at Ibrox

Bold words by Luke McCowan, now it’s up to the rest of his teammates to justify them tomorrow at Ibrox…

Luke McCowan of Celtic celebrates scoring during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC at Stuttgart Arena on February 26, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

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Luke McCowan has created something of a stir with his words in the post match interview in Stuttgart on Thursday night after scoring the winner in Celtic’s first ever victory on German soil in a competitive match.

The midfielder issued a rallying cry ahead of Sunday’s trip to Ibrox by claiming that no one can live with the champions on their day, and despite our current league position, it’s fair to say that it’s a fair assessment by the former Dundee player.

7th February 2026 Celtic Park, Scottish Cup, Celtic versus Dundee. Luke McCowan of Celtic shields the ball from Callum Jones of Dundee Photo David Young IMAGO

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I’m not in favour of players shouting their mouths off before a big game, as we all know it has come back to bite several players in the past, but as usual his words were twisted by the Scottish mainstream media, when in truth he was just talking up his own club and teammates, as players up and down the country do on a regular basis. Besides, a little bit of self belief is exactly what we’re needing at this moment in time.

McCowan’s words also seemed to rattle theRangers boss Danny Rohl who rubbished the players claims during yesterday’s sit down with the SMSM. The rookie German boss was then shot down by rival Martin O’Neill, with the elder statesman putting the newcomer quickly in his place in fine style.

Luke McCowan of Celtic controls the ball during the Scottish Cup Fourth Round match between Auchinleck Talbot and Celtic at Rugby Park on January 18, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

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Fair play to the media fraternity who got what they wanted by twisting McCowan’s words to inject a bit more intensity into Sundays showdown, if it ever needed it in the first place.