GIORGOS GIAKOUMAKIS is poised for a quickfire return as Celtic continue the countdown to the title at Dingwall on Sunday.
The Greek striker, who has claimed 12 goals since the turn of the year including hat-tricks against Dundee and Ross County, missed the disappointing Scottish Cup semi-final loss on Sunday.
Giakoumakis limped off with a hamstring problem in the first-half of the 7-0 win over St Johnstone at Parkhead almost a fortnight ago.
It was feared the 27-year-old powerhouse could be on the sidelines for a lengthy spell, but the player has been spotted on social media footage training with his team-mates at Lennoxtown as they prepare for the vital encounter against Malky Mackay’s side.
The frontman went through a routine with the Hoops squad who are six points clear at the top of the Premiership and eyeing their tenth title in 11 years.
Giakoumakis’ presence in the Highlands could prove crucial with the rutted pitch at the Global Energy Stadium not exactly conducive to Celtic’s style of getting the ball down and moving it quickly across the surface.
Ange Postecoglou is hardly likely to change his entire idea of how the game should be played, but the international raider will most certainly be a threat in the air as he proved against the Dingwall club when he rose to thump in the first of his trio in the 4-0 victory last month.
Filipe Jota’s left-wing cross was perfection to the back post as the visitors’ defence was undone in the 12th minute and the £2.5million summer arrival from Dutch minnows VVV-Venlo leapt superbly to leave the keeper helpless.
And it won’t be forgotten, either, the Hoops had to take to the air the last time they played in the Highlands when Anthony Ralston outjumped friend and foe to direct a header into the net in stoppage-time for the point-clincher in December.
