Giorgos Giakoumakis is now settling into life as a Celtic striker, having made significant strides to establish himself as an important member of the first team squad since returning after the winter break at last fully fit and determined to impress both the manager and the Celtic support.
A goal against St Johnstone last autumn and the last minute tame penalty miss against Livingston that denied Celtic the three points, instead having to settle for a goalless draw in what was a frustrating afternoon at Celtic Park. Now though the 27 year old Greek striker is gaining some real traction within this Celtic side and among the striking options available to Ange Postecoglou he offers something unique with his strength and aggression. It’s clear that he also has an eye for goal but we already knew that from his outstanding record last season topping the goalscoring charts in the Dutch league while playing for VVV Venlo, a side heading for relegation.
Giorgos is clearly looking forward to the match against Bodo/Glimt this evening with the chance to set the groundwork for a place in the last 16 of the new Europa Conference League ahead of next Thursday’s return trip to face the talented Norwegian Champions at their home ground inside the Arctic Circle – remember Roma lost 6-1 up there so it will not be easy!
“I think we’ll have a full stadium with us, and our fans will be there to support us. We’re looking forward to this game and I think we’re going to enjoy it,” Giakoumakis said at the Celtic Media Conference yesterday afternoon as he considered his recent improvements in fitness and match time as he settles into life as a regular in the Celtic starting eleven. “The only thing missing from me in the last few games was a goal and that was something I really wanted, and I hope that much more will follow.”
Asked whether these big European nights were a factor in his decision to join Celtic his response was outstanding. “I didn’t choose Celtic only because of the European games – I chose Celtic because it’s Celtic. It’s an amazing club with big targets every year but, of course, the European games are something really special for the players and it’s something that played its part.”
And there’s no reason why Celtic shouldn’t be thinking about winning this new European competition according to the big Celtic striker. “This (Europa Conference League) is one of our targets. It’s something really important. Of course, it’s a new competition but it’s a European game, so it’s the same for us – it’s a big night for us and for the fans and we will try to make them happy.
“We want to go as deep as possible in this competition and I don’t see why cannot dream big – this squad is made to dream big. It’s a big game for us. The European games are games that every player wants to play.
“It is one of our targets, it is really important,” Giakoumakis added. “Of course, it is a new competition that didn’t exist in past years. It is something new but this is a European game for us, it is the same as if we play in the Europa League or Champions League.
“It is a big night for us and for the fans and we will try to make them happy again. Of course we can go as deep as possible in this competition. I don’t see why we can’t dream big – this squad is made to dream big.”
Giakoumakis now has four goals as a Celtic player and will be looking to add to that tally this evening. “Day by day I am feeling better,” he added. “Of course, I have a lot of things to improve on and I hope in the next games I will be even better for the team. I always want to improve and raise my level as a player.
“Mentally, it was really hard for me before. I had to fight to be fit and then to help my team-mates realise what type of player I am.”
Here’s Giorgos Giakoumakis speaking to the media yesterday, including of course representatives of the Celtic Fan Media.
Giakoumakis is likely to start in a Celtic starting eleven that is likely to look something like this:
Hart, Juranovic, Taylor, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, McGregor, Hatale, Rogic, Abada, Giakoumakis and Jota. The one change to that line-up might be O’Riley starting ahead of Rogic.
what about Scales for Taylor he has height & scores goals neither of which can be said of Taylor!!