LUKE'S LOOSE CHANGE

Midfielder McCowan insists new gaffer Nancy hasn't torn up the traditional Hoops playbook

- BY FRASER WILSON

THE boss has changed. The setup and style has been remodelled. And, for a worrying spell, the results had altered dramatically.

But, according to Luke McCowan, NOTHING major has changed in the way Celtic are going about their business under Wilfried Nancy.

The midfielder insists the Hoops have always been about taking risks and reaping the rewards.

While punters and pundits get in a flap over Nancyball, McCowan says the basics of what the Frenchman is asking his players to do hasn't deviated from Martin O'Neill or Brendan Rodgers.

That might raise a few eyebrows especially given the state of the Celtic's defending where they are still searching for a first clean sheet under the new regime and have conceded 13 goals in those six games, including two to rock-bottom Livingston on Saturday.

But McCowan says the fundamentals of bossing the ball and constantly chapping on the opposition door while ensuring their own is bolted shut behind them are exactly the same.

The former Dundee playmaker doesn't deny the second part of that is still needing some reinforcing. But with Nancy putting his horror start of four defeats behind him with back-to-back wins over Aberdeen and Livi there's signs his side are starting to click.

Another three points away to Motherwell tomorrow night and they will be level with Hearts at the top.

Then it really will start feeling more like business as usual.