Former Celt is SPL Player of the Month

Former Celt Paul McGowan has been voted SPL player of the month for December.

The 24-year-old left Celtic at the start of the season and crowned an impressive month with the winning goal against Rangers on Christmas Eve.

McGowan was a key player in Celtic’s successful youth side of 2005/2006 which also included Darren O’Dea, Paul Caddis and Simon Ferry.

Like most of that team chances were limited at Celtic under Gordon Strachan, Tony Mowbray and Neil Lennon with Gowser making just eight first team appearances inbetween loan spells at Morton, Hamilton and St Mirren.

One of those appearances was as a substitute against Vilareal in the Champions League with his only goal coming against the cheats of Rapid Vienna in a bizarre Europa League match that finished 3-3.

McGowan has always shown a good eye for goal but his overall link up play has presented coaches with a dilema over where best to use him.

Speaking recently St Mirren boss Danny Lennon said: “Paul has been an inspiration, a real positive for us throughout the campaign.

“I wouldn’t say there is a better player in the SPL at this minute in time than Paul in terms of his consistency.

“I think with the level of Paul’s performances it would be very difficult to overlook him.”

Celtic fans will be able to get an update on Gowser a week on Saturday when Neil Lennon takes his side to face the other Lennon’s men in Paisley.