Ange Postecoglou has stated that he’ll make a final decision on Giorgos Giakoumakis’ availability vs St Mirren tomorrow morning, but has said the striker is “better”.
Giakoumakis was missed badly after sitting out Sunday’s game at Hibs through illness. The Hoops failed to profit from a host of crosses into the penalty box as Daizen Maeda couldn’t do enough damage to the Easter Road backline.
Giakoumakis’ absence was also a bitter blow due to the fact he’s absolutely bossing 2022. The Greek forward has already netted 6 goals this year alone, and was coming off the back of a superb hat-trick against Dundee the week beforehand.
Fortunately, however, Ange has revealed that Giakoumakis is in a better place than he was at the weekend and that he could play a part tomorrow.
As quoted by Sky Sports, the manager said: “Giako is still 50-50. He is better. I will probably make a decision on him tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.
“If I had to make a call he probably won’t start but he might be involved. But I will wait and see how he’s feeling.”
Giorgos Giakoumakis likely to play a substitute role against Hibs tomorrow
It’s clear from Ange’s remarks that Giakoumakis is more or less ready to return. However, given he said he likely won’t start then you have to assume Maeda will be given the call once again.
That’s a big boost for the Japanese international who is in desperate need of some momentum himself. A home clash against St Mirren should allow him the opportunity to exploit plenty of space in behind the Buddies’ defence.
Even so, having Giakoumakis back in the matchday squad is a bigger boost for the supporters. And you can absolutely see Ange’s thinking in not starting him, especially when you consider the fixture we have coming up on Sunday.
Livingston away at the Tony Macaroni Arena is the kind of game Giakoumakis was built and born for. Ange is clearly eyeing that one to unleash the big Greek. You have to think our approach in West Lothian will be similar to that of Easter Road, where we’ll likely be reliant on crosses into the penalty area. Giakoumakis should have the power and the ability to make the most of them.
Of course, some exposure against St Mirren tomorrow would also do him a power of good. Even if it’s just a half-hour cameo, it would be ideal to get his confidence levels up with another goal before Sunday.
Ange is clearly thinking ahead here and it’s great to see. Of course 3 points is all that matters tomorrow night, but if anything happens to Giakoumakis before Sunday then we could be in further trouble. This is nothing but sensible management.
In other news, “I’m super excited”; Ange speaks as Celtic confirm 4-team Australian tournament in 2022
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