GIORGOS GIAKOUMAKIS celebrates his 28th birthday today with his Celtic future in doubt.
The Greek international striker and the club have stalled on talks over a contract extension, but there is still hope a deal will be agreed this month.
Giakoumakis has become a Hoops fans’ favourite after getting off to a slow start to his career at Parkhead following his £2.5million switch from Dutch minnows VVV-Venlo in August 2021 on a five-year deal.
TITLE-WINNER…Giorgos Giakoumakis leaps high to bullet in Celtic’s goal in the 1-1 draw with Dundee United at Tannadice on May 11 that sealed the Premiership for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
He netted only one goal – in the 2-0 win over St Johnstone on October 23 – before dropping out for the remainder of the year with a knee injury which required surgery.
However, the powerhouse frontman returned all guns blazing as he took over as the main marksman with top scorer Kyogo Furuhashi sidelined for three months with a hamstring problem.
Giakoumakis fired in 16 goals in the second half of the campaign including hat-tricks against Dundee (3-2) in February and Ross County (4-0) the following month.
STOPPAGE-TIME WINNER…Giorgos Giakoumakis is a net profit after claiming the points-clincher against St Johnstone in Perth on October 8.
It was the towering hitman who sealed Celtic’s tenth title in 11 years when he rose to an Anthony Ralston cross to head in from eight yards in the 1-1 draw with Dundee United at Tannadice on May 11.
He has claimed eight strikes in this crusade – including the crucial stoppage-time winner in Perth in October.
Hopefully, many more will follow for the Birthday Bhoy in the green and white hoops with the Premiership restart scheduled for a testing game against Aberdeen at Pittodrie a week tomorrow.
