
Luke McCowan reveals first words to Lyall Cameron after Rangers transfer as Celtic star hits pal with truth bomb
His old Dundee pal will be across the city divide next season - but that friendship will go out the window when it comes to action
Luke McCowan admits he was a Jota fanboy when the Portuguese winger returned to Parkhead.
But now it's the entire Celtic squad supporting the Portuguese ace on his long road back from a cruciate injury.
Winger Jota faces being out until 2026, but McCowan said: 'Regardless of how long it is, we'll just keep making sure his mental state is always in the right place.
'He's a good character, a very lively, influential person.
'I think he thought I was a wee bit of a fanboy when I first came in, because I was kidding on to him that I was going to get a few 'Jota 7' tops off him!
'But no, he's been perfect. I'm good friends with Paolo Bernardo from when I first came in and as soon as Jota came in, and Paolo was obviously close with Jota, we became friends right away.
'That's what this club creates, friendships through different countries, different cultures. It's a special place.'
McCowan is recharging the batteries after his first season in the Hoops and admits he's looking forward to squaring up to old Dundee pal Lyall Cameron – even though they won't be talking.
Cameron has signed for Rangers and McCowan joked: 'He came to Celtic Park just after he'd done it. I said 'just to let you know, this will be the last time I speak to you!'.
'No, Lyall is a good player. I've seen him come through at Dundee, going on loan to places he probably wouldn't have wanted to go to. He's done well for himself.
'It's a credit to him to get that move because he's put a lot of hard work in.
'But there'll be no friends come next season!'
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