Celtic icon Frank McAvennie has predicted that striker Giorgios Giakoumakis will leave the club before too long, following an injury-ravaged spell in Glasgow so far.

Last summer, much excitement surrounded the arrival of Giakoumakis from VVV Venlo due to him finishing as the top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie in 2021/22 with 26 goals. However, his spell has not panned out as planned due to injury and fitness issues. The 27-year-old has scored just one goal for the Hoops in a 2-0 victory vs St Johnstone last October.

This has prompted ex-player turned pundit McAvennie to make a big claim surrounding Giakoumakis’ future in a recent interview.

Speaking to Football Insider, the 62-year-old said:

“Giakoumakis, he’s not done anything really, has he? He barely plays and I do wonder why did we sign him?

“I don’t know if it’s a fitness thing or if he’s not up to the task but he was on fire last season.

“He doesn’t look right here. I just wonder if a loan spell might be best for him.

“I think if another striker comes in then he will definitely leave. The squad needs to be smaller now, not bigger.”

McAvennie criticism of Giakoumakis is very harsh, he needs more of a chance

Admittedly, the burly Greek forward needs to get himself into proper shape to become part of Ange Postecoglou’s starting plans going forward. However, to call for his head after such a short amount of time in a Celtic jersey is ridiculous.

To put this into context, he has made only eight appearances for Celtic, starting just once. In order to get a clearer picture of his capability to succeed at Parkhead, we need to see him being granted regular opportunities during the second half of the campaign.

With the Bhoys still in the hunt for three trophies, there is every possibility he will get that chance.