Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis has opened up on what went on to be the winning goal in last night’s crucial 2-1 win over Hearts at Tynecastle, stating that he ‘needed’ that sort of moment in front of goal.
The 27-year old has had a difficult start to life in Glasgow since signing on summer transfer deadline day, with injuries affecting his game time under Ange Postecoglou so far this season.
Last night though, the Greek striker added his third goal in the Green and White Hoops and put in a good performance, which saw the Glasgow side pick up a massive three points on the road in the capital.
Speaking to Celtic TV in the aftermath of the game, Giakoumakis insisted that was a moment that he needed, to score in a big game after a frustrating start to life at Celtic and also revealed his delight at picking up the three points.
“It is really important for me, and of course, it was really important for the team. We won a very big game. I wanted to score in a big game. I needed it.
“Obviously, we could’ve scored more goals in the first half and also in the second half. But we lost it in the last pass and the finishing. We could’ve made the result easier because, in the end, it was really tough.
“We ran a lot, we fought a lot, and we got more tired from that game. But we’re happy, it’s a big win, and we move on.
“For me, I don’t care how I score. A goal is a goal. Even if it’s on the line and I touch it or if I score from the midfield with the right shot. It is the same.
“Of course I’m happy. That was my goal in the summer when I came here [to play regularly]. Thank god I’m healthy; I can be myself and contribute for the team.”
With the injury to Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda, also currently away on international duty, the last two games have been significant for Giakoumakis to showcase what he can bring under Postecoglou during a potentially tricky run of games.
Grabbing a goal at a challenging venue like Tynecastle last night could also be massive for the frontman’s confidence, scoring with a lovely flick past Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
Giakoumakis will now be looking to keep up his scoring spree when Dundee United travel to Glasgow on Saturday.
