Luke McCowan insists he is determined to become a regular starter for Celtic, but admits it will take time and effort to do so.
McCowan, 26, signed for the Scottish champions on transfer deadline day from fellow Premiership club Dundee, a move he described as “surreal”.
McCowan made his Celtic debut in the Old Firm win over Rangers at the start of this month, and wants to learn from manager Brendan Rodgers while also singling out new teammates Callum McGregor and James Forrest.
“Early doors, I just want to play as many minutes as I can,” he said.
“I know it will take a lot of hard work to push players for their places and get in the team but that’s what I want to do in the future. It’s just about learning and finding my feet just now.
“The manager told me certain areas of my game that need work. When you come here, it’s a different style of football.
“For anybody going to a new club, it’s about bedding yourself in but the manager’s main message to me was about staying myself, staying as loud as I can because that’s how I’ve always been, and be a bit of a sponge to learn off the great players and top professionals like James Forrest and Callum McGregor who have been here for so long.”
McCowan could make his first European appearance against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League next Wednesday, and wants to help Celtic make progress in continental competition.
“It’s a bit surreal,” he said. “I think this year, I’ll probably get a lot of things happening for the first time at the club. I’ve had my debut and if I get a chance to play in a Champions League game that will be another big milestone in my career but now that I’m in the door, it’s not about feeling happy about that.
“It’s about pushing on and trying to start the next game, be standing in the line-up, helping the team win those type of (Champions League) matches. That’s the goal for me.”
Asked about a potential Scotland call-up in the future, McCowan added: “My focus is here first, that’s the main objective. But if it happens, I’d be thrilled.
“The Scotland midfield is so strong, you’ve got players playing for Napoli and teams like that, so there’s an amazing group of boys there but I’d welcome it with open arms if it came along.”
