Ange Postecoglou has explained that Giorgos Giakoumakis missed tonight’s win over St Mirren due to injury.
As soon as the team news came out at 6.30pm tonight the absence of the striker was noted against a background of claims of interest, offers and reported deals to sign the Greek internationalist.
Giakoumakis got a 20 minute run out at Hampden on Saturday, scoring Celtic’s second goal but listening in to the Celtic boss pre-match, at 19.29 tonight The Sun reported:
Postecoglou told BBC Sportsound: “The game took a fair bit out of us at the weekend with the conditions the way they were.
“Cameron (Carter-Vickers) and Giakoumakis are unavailable tonight, they pulled up a bit sore after the weekend.”
A double from Kyogo Furuhashi helped Celtic to a 4-0 win over the only Scottish side to beat the hoops this season.
There was never any prospect of a repeat from Liel Abada’s 15th minute opener with substitute David Turnbull completing the scoring in the 85th minute.
Yuki Kobayashi made his Celtic debut, playing in central defence alongside Carl Starfelt, Tomoki Iwata was an unused substitute with Alastair Johnston playing 90 minutes at right-back.
Fantastic, just fantastic, how Ange can change things around and yet keep the tempo and shape. Fantastic!
Pre-game, in-game, post-game. (Poetic Latin?)
Of course, we’re looking at (mostly) the team Ange has built and the style he requires.
More than just a club? It has been, can be and is NOW.
Just a pity Lawwell has been placed by Desmond and darkened things.
Not to mention the invisible CEO placeman, Nicholson
Lawwell’s move into Chairman is hugely frowned upon by the body supposedly looking at company appointments as they feel it is almost NEVER correct for a CEO to return as Chairman. Celtic shareholders, what are you prepared to do. Maybe ask the CST?
Ange as a manager must be one of the few in Scotland who keeps the fans up to date .Also he doesn’t criticise any other teams and talk a lot of bull like some.He can also handle the press and TV reporters without being rude.Well done Ange.