Ciaran Morrison

Mon 9 March 2026 6:30, UK

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Luke McCowan’s midfield display in place of captain Callum McGregor against Rangers has not impressed the Celtic fanbase.

Celtic progressed to the Scottish Cup semi-finals after beating Glasgow rivals Rangers 4-2 on penalties after the contest ended 0-0 after 120 minutes.

The Hoops failed to have a shot on target in the match, and were thankful that both James Tavernier and Djedi Gassama missed their penalties for Rangers in the shootout.

Celtic could win two competitions this season, with Martin O’Neill’s side still in the Scottish Premiership title race alongside now being in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Luke McCowan ‘will never make it at Celtic’

McGregor was ruled out of the clash due to an injury, meaning O’Neill trusted McCowan to take his spot in midfield.

The 32-year-old is a vital player in front of the back four, who keeps Celtic ticking in the middle of the park.

McCowan, who usually plays as a box-to-box midfielder further forward, was asked to replicate McGregor’s defensive work at Ibrox.

Celtic fans all came to the same conclusion that McCowan is “nowhere near good enough” to play for the club.

The 28-year-old has never nailed down a place in the Celtic starting line-up, and one supporter said that he “should never start a game again.”

Celtic firm on Benjamin Nygren transfer position

Sources have told Football Insider that Celtic have no plans to let Benjamin Nygren leave Glasgow in the summer transfer window amid interest from clubs in his services.

The Hoops believe they can keep Nygren at the club for next season, after only signing him last summer for just £2million from Danish club Nordsjaelland.

Despite having split supporters with his performances during his debut campaign, Nygren is the club’s top scorer with 19 goals in 47 appearances.

Nygren’s goals have been a vital part of Celtic remaining in the Scottish Premiership title race, with Daizen Maeda the next highest scorer on eight.

The 24-year-old will be expected to start when Celtic continue their Scottish Premiership campaign at home to Motherwell next, with O’Neill’s side looking to close the gaps on Hearts, who currently hold a five-point advantage at the top of the table.