johnreid 
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Celtic’s 2-0 win over Alloa in the Scottish Cup at the weekend was probably most notable for the injury suffered by Callum McGregor, but in only third start for the Hoops striker Giorgos Giakoumakis scored his second goal for the club.
It was a good finish from the £2.5m talent, who met Liam Scales’ cross with a fine finish. However, he really should have doubled his tally seconds later when through on goal, but under pressure he put the shot just wide of goal.
He also had a chance in the second-half but his header was saved, and in the end he had to be satisfied with one goal.
That was a decent return for the forward, but he will be well-aware that he will have to up his games for the three games that he will likely be leading the Celtic line.
With Kyogo and Albian Ajeti injured and Daizen Maeda on international duty, Giakoumakis is the only fit natural striker in the Hoops squad, and he will, unless he suffers an injury, be upfront in the next three games, against Hearts, Dundee United and Rangers.
Those three games could be make or break for the striker in the short-term at Celtic. If he can perform well, he could make himself the number one striker at the club. If he struggles, he could find himself on the bench when Maeda returns from international duty and Kyogo is fit again.
Giakoumakis can make himself an instant Celtic hero if he performs well against Hearts at Tynecastle.
That looks to be a game that a lot of people feel Celtic will drop points in. But Giakoumakis can prove the doubters wrong should he turn in a big performance in a game which is vital to Celtic’s hopes of regaining the league championship.]
Giakoumakis will be well-aware of what is to be expected of him at Tynecastle. It is the sort of game that Celtic paid the £2m plus transfer fee for him to do well in.
If any Celtic fans are on the fence about the forward, as he hasn’t featured all that often due to injuries, then the opinion could change if he leads the line like a good Celtic striker should.
Hopefully his goal against Alloa gives Giakoumakis confidence to take into the upcoming league games. Ange Postecoglou will no doubt back the player to start in the next three games, and now he has the chance to get his Celtic up and running.
