Celtic great Pierre van Hoojidonk believes Giorgos Giakoumakis could be the Champions League difference the Hoops need.
The 50-year-old, who scored 52 goals in 84 appearances during his time at Celtic, insists it’s only a matter of time before the Greek returns to the scoresheet.
Giakoumakis scored 17 goals for Ange Postecoglou’s side last season despite missing several months of the campaign through injury.
He missed part of Celtic’s pre-season training camp this summer due to the birth of his daughter and enjoyed a quiet start to the season – having come off the bench in the Hoops’ first two Scottish Premiership games .
However, Van Hoojidonk insists it won’t be long before the striker hits in goal – and has tipped the striker to have a successful Champions League campaign with Celtic.
He told the Scottish Sun: “I would always play against Giakoumakis in the Scottish league. OK, some of Celtic’s games in the Scottish league are comfortable for them.
“A player like Jota can win games on his own. He’s a quality striker and he makes a difference. He can score goals and create chances and goals.
“But in other games in Scotland, when you’re playing stronger teams and you’re not getting as many chances, that’s when you need real goalscorers.
“What matters in football is scoring goals and guys like Giakoumakis are very good at that.
“Scorers are not always appreciated but, more often than not, they always come back to the team.
“Maybe in the Champions League I would use Giakoumakis in a different way. Most of the time in this competition Celtic will be playing against teams that might be stronger than they are.
“Someone who can drop into midfield and really press the defence. Giakoumakis is a goalscorer but he can also be put to good use in the Champions League. He can trouble any defence.