Rumours around the future of Celtic forward Giorgos Giakoumakis ramped up after he wasn’t selected amongst the substitutes for the league leaders 4-0 victory over St Mirren.
The 28-year-old had made an impact in Celtic’s previous outing at the weekend against Kilmarnock as the Hoops booked their place in the final of the Viaplay Cup as the Greek international came off the bench to double his sides advantage.
Some thought that him not being on the bench was a signal that he was potentially heading for the exit door as it appears J-League side Urawa Red Diamonds have an interest in the attacker.
Postecoglou confirmed before the match that both Giakoumakis and Cameron Carter-Vickers weren’t available as the game on Saturday had taken an effect on both players which he hinted at when he spoke to press, saying to expect some changes to be made.
Celtic’s Georgios Giakoumakis celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
He continued to shoot down talk about Giakoumaki’s future as he expects the Celtic striker to be available at the weekend for the Hoops Scottish Cup clash against Championship side Greenock Morton if fit.
“Giakoumakis and Carter-Vickers pulled up sore from the weekend,” said Postecoglou as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
“At a stretch, Giako might be available for Saturday. Cam probably will be, but we’ll probably still rest him for Saturday even though it’s nothing significant.
“Berna, I just thought I’d rest him tonight because he’s had two big games. He’ll be back in on Saturday.”
When asked whether Giakoumakis would be available even if he is fit, the Celtic boss hit back at speculation.
“I see no reason why not.
“I just deal with what is in front of me, and until I’m told otherwise or something significant happens…
“He was here tonight mate, so you could have asked him yourself!
“He’s still very much part of our set-up, I’m not playing ducks and drakes.
“He would have been involved tonight if he wasn’t injured.”
There is still plenty of time left during the transfer window but for the time being, he will remain a Hoops player and appears that Postecoglou is becoming tired of getting asked about his future at this time.
