Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Giorgos Giakoumakis is to be given some big Celtic opportunities in the coming weeks.
The big Greek forward has had a tough time of it since arriving from VVV-Venlo in the summer. Costing the Hoops up to £2.5m [Sky Sports], the former Eredivisie striker has had a tough time settling into Scottish football.
Indeed, Giakoumakis only has 1 goal and 8 appearances to his name this term – 2 of which being starts [Transfermarkt]. With a combination of Kyogo Furuhashi’s success and problems with injuries, the Greek hasn’t made the impression on the Celtic support that he would’ve hoped.
However, Ange is clearly still backing his summer signing as he talked up the opportunities that look set to be there for him. As quoted by The Herald, the Hoops boss said: “Giorgios is back in. He’s done all the rehab. We gave most players the week off but him and a couple of others worked right through and he’s all good to go.
“He’s one of three or four who probably didn’t have an ideal start. He came in late and had several challenges, not doing pre-season and the season already up and running when he arrived. He had a couple of injury setbacks and there’s been a whole range of things. So, we did have to be a bit patient with him.
“They weren’t all going to hit the ground running in terms of an immediate impact. Two or three of the signings were quick off the blocks. But others needed a bit of time. Hopefully, now Giorgios is ready to go again. He’s trained really well and he’ll get an opportunity in the games ahead to show what he’s all about. But all the players are important.”
Giorgos Giakoumakis has a big Celtic opportunity ahead of him
This will be music to Giakoumakis’ ears. After all, look at the last couple of months or so from his perspective. Kyogo has continued to be first choice whilst Maeda has arrived looking like a sure-fire number 2. Given Giorgos’ lack of an impact, his prospects didn’t look great.
However, it’s likely that Kyogo and Maeda could be heading off with Japan at the end of the month. That could open up opportunities for Giakoumakis against the likes of Hearts, Dundee United, and Rangers respectively. Imagine how much of a hero he could make himself if he nets in the Glasgow Derby, for example?
In fact, the truth is he could appear as early as tomorrow night when Hibernian arrive at Celtic Paek. Kyogo is a doubt for the game whilst Ange could hesitate in throwing Maeda in immediately.
Of course, Giakoumakis also offers Celtic something different in the final third. He’s still an extremely useful asset to have with his powerful hold-up and link-up play.
If he picked up another long-term injury then we don’t have an alternative centre-forward who brings what the Greek offers. He has to take confidence from that and have trust in his own ability that he can shine massively over the coming weeks.
Ange is ready to invest his faith in the player as are the Celtic supporters. But it’s now time for Giakoumakis to start showing why they’re right to do so.
In other news, Report: Celtic terminate Leigh Griffiths contract; could be without a club next month
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