GIORGOS GIAKOUMAKIS took his goalscoring tally to a dozen with his second Celtic hat-trick in the 4-0 romp against Ross County at Parkhead yesterday.
The Greek attacker, who joined in a £2.5million switch from Dutch minnows VVV-Venlo in the summer, had claimed just one strike – against St Johnstone in a 2-0 victory in October – before the turn of the year.
To be fair to Giakoumakis, he had been hampered by a knee problem which restricted his first-team involvement to just five appearances.
Since the arrival of 2022, the 27-year-old frontman has stepped on the gas to underline why Postecoglou had targeted him as part of his massive squad rebuild at the club.
Giakoumakis claimed his second trio in only three games at Parkhead as he followed up his hat-trick against Dundee with another impressive display against the Dingwall outfit.
HAPPY DAZE…Giorgos Giakoumakis races away after heading in the first of his hat-trick against Ross County.
However, the powerhouse forward believes it is not about personal glory as he told Celtic TV: “I’m really happy and most important we won another important game and we’re getting close to our target.
‘We played a very good game, we played our game. We didn’t stop and played our style of play and it was a complete game for us.’
“Josip Juranovic was supposed to take the penalty, but he gave me the ball and I scored the hat-trick. Afterwards, I celebrated with his celebration and it was something really nice.”
Giakoumakis will now join up with the Greece international squad and he added: “I’m always proud to play with the national team and I’m looking forward to representing my country.
“I will miss my team, but it will be nice to be there.”
The hitman hopes to get some game time in the friendlies, both away from home, against Romania on Friday and Montenegro on Monday.
GIAKOUMAKIS HAT-TRICK AS HOOPS SPARKLE IN THE SUN
Giorgos Giakoumakis On The Match | Celtic 4-0 Ross County | Giakoumakis Hat-trick!
