Brutal consequence sets stage for Giakoumakis

The consequences of a brutal Scottish Cup tie at Alloa, permitted by the kind of soft touch refereeing that would see official intervention during martial arts bouts, has left us without our captain for an undetermined period of time.  Callum McGregor’s facial injury was the most severe consequence, if not the most dangerous challenge.

We are likely to head to Tynecastle with Reo Hatate, who has played only 75 minutes for Celtic, and Matt O’Riley, whose entire experience is limited to a year in the English third tier, in central midfield, backed by Nir Bitton.

Should we get through this game unscathed, the experience will do us well as the same players are likely to be required when Dundee United and Newco visit next week.  You would be forgiven for thinking these games will go a long way to determining the outcome of the season.

Saturday offered little encouragement bar the opening goal, converted by Giorgos Giakoumakis, his second for the club.  Without Kyogo, Maeda and fourth choice striker, Ajeti, Giorgos has the stage to himself.  He has started three games since joining from Venlo in the summer.  This period could be the making of him.