Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis has officially been rested on international duty, as the starting 11’s were announced for Greece’s friendly against Montenegro this evening.
The 27-year old received a recall to his international side for this month’s friendly fixtures and was unlucky not to add to this season’s goal tally for Greece on Friday night, as he took part from the start against Romania.
It is a different story this evening, though, as Gus Poyet looks to round off his first international break with his new side, resting the Celtic frontman and starting AZ Alkmaar striker Vangelis Pavlidis instead.
🇬🇷 OFFICIAL: Greece's starting XI v. Montenegro!
Poyet retains the 433 & hands Lyratzis his debut at right-back! Bakasetas starts in midfield & wears the captain's armband. Pavlidis & Douvikas start in the attack alongside Pelkas#MNEGRE | #Ethniki | #Greece pic.twitter.com/HaJS789Icq
— Hellas Football (@HellasFooty) March 28, 2022
This will come as another boost to Ange Postecoglou ahead of this weekend’s Glasgow derby fixture against Rangers, with it looking like Giakoumakis will be joining Josip Juranovic in returning without injury and ready to go after a rest tonight.
Of course, he could also come off the bench, as his replacement did on Friday night. But, playing the final 15 or 20 minutes of the game very much shortens the risk of injury ahead of such a crucial game this Sunday.
Giakoumakis is currently on brilliant form, and with both himself and potentially Kyogo fit going into this weekend, Ange will have a big decision on his hands as to who he will start in the frontline.
