The City midfielder wasn't part of the Scotland squad that were beaten 2 - 1 at Cardiff City Stadium last Friday.
Cowie replaces Celtic captain Scott Brown, who has been struggling with a hip problem and was substituted at half-time during Friday's 2-1 defeat to Wales in Cardiff.
The 29-year-old, who has made 10 appearances for Scotland, took part in Sunday's training session on familiar territory at Cardiff City Stadium.