Chris Sutton is backing Giorgos Giakoumakis to come good and make a telling contribution to Celtic’s trophy hopes.
The 26-year-old was signed on transfer deadline day then had to get himself upto speed in terms of fitness before being considered for selection.
Coming off the bench at home to Ferencvaros he caught the eye with a powerful cameo role, he followed that with a goal at home to St Johnstone but looked close to a broken man when he missed with a penalty against Livingston.
Much of the anger at that penalty miss was over the decision to overlook Josip Juranovic but after another cameo against Ferencvaros Sutton thinks that Celtic have a player on their hands.
The former VVV Venlo striker never had a shot at goal in Hungary but held the ball up well as Celtic ‘game managed’ their way to victory.
Reflecting on Giakoumakis, Sutton told the Daily Record:
Kyogo is the main man but I’m optimistic about Giorgos Giakoumakis. He had a bit of a nightmare against Livingston as his penalty was poor and his late miss was just as bad.
But he brings a different dimension and now James Forrest and Mikey Johnston are fit, the manager can mix it up.
With Albian Ajeti restricted to 38 minutes in action over three appearances since starting against Dundee United on September 26 Giakoumakis looks like being a vital support and deputy to 11 goal Kyogo Furuhashi.
CLICK HERE for Giakoumakis profile on Transfermarkt.
