da apostebet: Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed striker Giorgos Giakoumakis suffered an injury during the 7-0 hammering of St Johnstone.

The lowdown: Celtic go nine clear

da aposte e ganhe: The Hoops moved nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership (ahead of St Mirren vs Rangers) with a resounding victory at Celtic Park thanks to a brace from Matt O’Riley and single strikes from Giakoumakis, Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, Liel Abada and Josip Juranovic.

The Greek frontman netted a 13th goal of the season across all competitions before being forced off after 27 minutes with a suspected hamstring issue.

With a huge fixture schedule coming up, Postecoglou is hopeful that the 27-year-old will make a swift recovery but is ‘concerned’.

The latest: Ange provides an update

Speaking after the match (via Scottish Daily Express) the boss said it is unfortunate: “I’m not too sure at the moment. He didn’t think it was too bad but he could feel something.

“It’s always a concern when players do that. He’s had an enormous load the last few weeks.

“It’s unfortunate for him but I’m hopeful he’ll still be available for us in the run-in.”

The Bhoys manager also has fitness worries regarding Tom Rogic after the Australian was replaced at half-time.

The verdict: Can’t afford a setback

Aside from the injury suffered by Giakoumakis – who was recently hailed as ‘lethal’ by Kris Commons – this was nigh on a perfect afternoon for the Hoops.

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Whilst Postecoglou is clearly optimistic the issue won’t keep the frontman sidelined for a significant period, with a hectic fixture schedule starting against Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park coming up, there aren’t many opportunities remaining to ease a player back to fitness.

Therefore, with any hamstring injury likely to be troublesome, versatile Japanese forward Maeda may well be asked to lead the line in the absence of the £1.8million valued man (Transfermarkt).

In other news, Ange Postecoglou praises Celtic chief. Find out who it is here.