"The stuff about Willo being too wee is a lot of rubbish." said Bowman, who now works as a community coach at Tannadice, "Just look at the man who is about to sign him and remember what he was like as a player. In many ways, I think Willo probably reminds Gordon a bit of himself in his heyday - he's about the same height, likes to run at defenders and isn't scared of anyone who is bigger than him in size or reputation."
"Gordon never allowed himself to be bullied and neither does Willo who has that tenacity you associate with Irish players." he added "Like Gordon, he has the heart of a lion whenever he goes out on to the pitch. That run he had towards the end of the semi-final against Celtic on Wednesday, the way he bore down on goal, was like watching Strachan when he was a player. I hated playing against Strachan and I'm sure Scottish defences now feel the same about Willo. I'm just sorry it looks as if he's leaving Dundee United."
Cardiff City loaned Flood to United for a second time this season and the midfielder has gained many admirers north of the border with his outstanding contribution to a fine United side. Dave Bowman is certain that Flood is capable of exerting the same influence at Celtic Park. "Willo won't be a squad player at Parkhead. He has the exact same attitude Gordon had when it came to playing games." he said "He wants to play all the time, regardless of the opposition, and even in training likes to make his presence felt. It's become a bit of a standing joke the way Willo clatters into his own team-mates in training. I love seeing that in a player and I think that's why I really warmed to him. The Celtic fans who were at Hampden the other night must realise they'll have won a watch when this signing goes through."
Bowman reckons that Celtic, for a token fee, are signing a player worth millions and in fact Bowman rates Flood as being every inch the player that the £4.4m Scott Brown is. "People rave about Scott and rightly so for the way he's been playing this season." said the United coach "But he's no better than Willo and I think the semi-final proved that. I don't think Brown has been so quiet for such a long time in a game which is a compliment to Willo. Those two playing together would make for some midfield. It will, of course, help him that he already knows the likes of Barry Robson and Lukasz Zaluska will be moving to Celtic in the summer, by which time I think Willo will have more than proved his worth to Celtic."
Flood himself is delighted his move to the Bhoys is nearing completion. Cardiff have accepted a bid from Celtic and he is set to seal his move to Paradise later today. "I'm really delighted it's moved on. I've had the medical and I've to go back to the club on Friday afternoon for talks," Flood said. "My agent will speak with Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell and if it happens it will be a great move. But it will still be a wrench to leave Dundee United who have been so good to me since I arrived in Scotland."