GIORGOS GIAKOUMAKIS is a History Bhoy as far as boss Ange Postecoglou is concerned.
The anticipated move for the Greece international striker before Tuesday’s transfer deadline did not materialise, but there is no way back to the Hoops for the 28-year-old powerhouse.
Giakoumakis is still expected to complete his £4.2million switch to MLS outfit Atlanta United whose signing cut-off still has weeks to run.
THE LAST HURRAH…Giorgos Giakoumakis rolls the ball past grounded Kilmarnock keeper Sam Walker for his 26th and final goal as a Celtic player.
Ironically, the attacker’s last meaningful act as a Celtic player came with his touch to send the second goal beyond Kilmarnock keeper Sam Walker to book a place in the Viaplay League Cup Final place against Michael Beale’s Ibrox club at Hampden in three weeks’ time.
That strike took Giakoumakis’ tally to nine for the season to add to the 17 he claimed on his debut crusade after his £2.5million arrival from Dutch minnows VVV-Venlo in August 2021.
Since his effort against the Rugby Park side, there has been no sign of the frontman.
He has been missing while the Hoops have maintained their focus on piling up the points in the bid for a second successive championship while booking a place in the next round of the Scottish Cup where they will face St Mirren at Parkhead with a 5.30pm kick-off on Saturday.
PICK IT OUT…Kyogo Furuhashi runs away in triumph after slotting the ball behind Livingston leeper Shamal George for the third goal in the 3-0 midweek win.
Postecoglou has seen his side collect 14 goals in four games with strikes from Kyogo Furuhashi (5), Aaron Mooy (3), David Turnbull (2), Liel Abada, Filipe Jota, Greg Taylor and Daizen Maeda.
Giakoumakis’ contribution in the secnd part of last season was absolutely crucial to the team achieving the ultimate goal of the Premiership crown.
Main man Kyogo limped off early in the 3-1 win over today’s opponents at the same venue on Boxing Day 2021 and wasn’t seen again until he headed in the opener in a 2-0 victory over Ross County in Dingwall on April 24.
In his absence, the Greek forward collected 16 goals, including hat-tricks against Dundee (3-2) and Malky Mackay’s Highlanders (4-0), as Postecoglou’s side maintained a steady course towards the priority prize.
HEAD BHOY…Filipe Jota celebrates the opening goal in the 2-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice a week ago. Alistair Johnston, Carl Starfelt and Aaron Mooy join in the victory parade.
And, of course, it was Giakoumakis who thumped in an unstoppable header to clinch the flag in the 1-1 draw with Dundee United at Tannadice on May 11.
Thanks for the memories, Giako, and CQN and the Hoops support applaud you for the crucial input in a pivotal season for the club.
Good luck on your journeys, but it’s all about there here and now for Celtic – and that is making sure another three points are won in Perth today.
Over to you, Kyogo and Co!
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and best action images from St Johnstone v Celtic this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
