The atmosphere at Celtic Park is set to be electric as the Hoops prepare to unfurl their league championship flag, an event made even more special by the return of club icon Paul McStay. This momentous occasion marks not only the beginning of a new Premiership season against St Mirren but also a unique opportunity for current Celtic star Luke McCowan to connect with a legend of the game.
Known affectionately as “The Maestro” for his elegant and masterful style of play, Paul McStay dedicated his entire 16-year professional career to Celtic. His remarkable tenure saw him make 677 appearances, secure eight major honours, and earn 76 caps for Scotland, cementing his status as one of the club’s most revered one-club men and a true Celtic legend.
For 27-year-old midfielder Luke McCowan, the prospect of meeting McStay for the very first time is a deeply personal and significant honour. McCowan openly admits his excitement, expressing a long-held admiration for the football icon he watched growing up, a testament to McStay’s enduring impact on generations of Celtic fans.
Recalling his childhood dreams, McCowan reflects on the unlikelihood he once felt about ever encountering someone of McStay’s stature. Now, on the brink of this highly anticipated meeting, he grapples with the perfect words to articulate his respect, hoping inspiration strikes when he finally stands face-to-face with “The Maestro.”
This isn’t McCowan’s first experience with a flag-raising ceremony, having been part of the Dundee side that celebrated a Championship flag two years prior at Dens Park. However, the scale and significance of Celtic’s Premiership flag day, set before a fervent crowd of 60,000 at Parkhead, presents a vastly different and perhaps more profound experience.
McCowan joined the Celtic Football Club on a hectic transfer deadline day last year, stepping into a season already in full swing. Despite the late start, he quickly established himself as a valuable asset, contributing significantly to last season’s title success with five crucial goals and five assists across 29 league appearances.
Looking ahead to the new campaign, McCowan expresses a profound sense of relief and optimism, free from the anxieties that plagued his previous season. He humorously notes a visible reduction in stress, stating, “if you looked at a picture of me last year and one today there are probably fewer wrinkles on my face now,” highlighting his settled status at the club.
The upcoming Premiership opener against St Mirren, preceded by the ceremonial flag unfurling, represents a fresh start and a momentous occasion for both Luke McCowan and the entire Celtic team. It underscores the enduring legacy of figures like Paul McStay and the bright future for players who now proudly wear the Hoops.
