I helped McCowan get Celtic move, here's why he'll improve next season
Docherty was involved in the deal that saw the central midfielder make his dream switch to Parkhead last summer.
"When he got his move to Celtic, I knew how successful he would be," Docherty told RecordSport.
"It's rewarding to see him involved at that level, playing in Champions League nights and all that kind of stuff.
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"I actually remember taking him into my room and telling him [a bid had been accepted]. It was great, because for me, that's the rewarding thing about the job.
"When you work with a player like Luke, I see how hard he trains every day. Yeah, he's a Celtic fan and it was a fantastic move for him, but a move that he really earned.
"I'd like to think I helped him, and because of that, I took great pleasure in taking him into my room and shaking his hand.
"But listen, he's there now, and he's there on absolute merit. I've got his back. He's got a big season coming up now, and he's got to improve.
"I think he did that last year. A lot of people have seen how good a player he is.
"For me, he'll get better this year, because he's now got experience behind him of playing at Celtic, something that he wanted to do when he was a kid.
"He's now done it, but he now realises he's a big player there, so he's got to contribute like he did last year.
"I've got to say, he's working with an absolutely brilliant manager as well on a day-to-day basis. Brendan Rodgers and his coaching staff will get even more out of him."
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