Summer Celtic signing Giorgos Giakoumakis has insisted the Bhoys won’t be afraid of going to Tynecastle on Wednesday night with a weakened squad.
Celtic will be missing Tom Rogic, Callum McGregor, Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda amongst others for the trip to Edinburgh for a variety of reasons.
However, Giakoumakis has insisted the match is an opportunity for the entire squad to show they mean business this season.
As quoted by The Times, the Greek striker said: “If we are as we have to be [in terms of missing players] then we won’t be afraid of anything. This type of game is a big chance for us to show that we are a strong squad and we can beat anyone in this league.
“We have the depth in our team and our squad. Everyone can be in the first 11. That’s very important at a club that has big goals.
“From now on I start my season. I hope I can be healthy until the end. I missed pre-season. After that I had surgery on my injured knee but now I’m back, I’m fit, healthy and I’m really happy.”
This is exactly the kind of attitude we need to see from players ahead of a visit to the capital, whether against Hearts or Hibs. However, the traditional rivalry between the Bhoys and the Jam Tarts always adds extra spice.
If Giakoumakis and company turn up for a fight at Tynecastle then it’s only going to enhance our chances of victory. This is not a game to go into with trepidation.
Leaders in the dressing room such as Joe Hart need to step up and help ensure everyone has the same battling attitude to the Greek striker.
In other news, Transfer drama at Hearts ahead of Celtic; Neilson discusses Postecoglou changes.
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