ANGE POSTECOGLOU has backed Giorgos Giakoumakis to come good at Celtic after injury has disrupted his first six months at Parkhead - pointing to the example set by former player Georgios Samaras.

The 27-year-old, who finished the previous campaign as the top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie, joined from VVV-Venlo in the summer but has found himself in and out of the starting XI.

Injury has limited the centre-forward to just eight appearances this term, scoring once (against St Johnstone in October), but Postecoglou remains convinced that Giakoumakis will recapture his best form before long.

Speaking to a Greek television station, Postecoglou explained: "I believe in Giorgos. He had a great season with Venlo last year.

"He came after pre-season and he was a bit unlucky.

"Celtic is a great opportunity for his career. You saw what happened with Georgios Samaras."

One player whose future remains in doubt, however, is goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas.

The Greece internationalist was recruited for £5million in the summer of 2020 but endured a torrid time in the starting XI before falling down the pecking order.

Joe Hart was brought in from Spurs at the start of the season and has wasted no time in seizing the gloves for himself, leading to speculation over Barkas' future.

Postecoglou revealed that the 27-year-old has struggled to adapt to life in Glasgow as he hinted at a potential Parkhead exit for the shot-stopper.

"Vasilis is a hard worker," he said. "He tried to settle in, but it was difficult with Covid situation.

"But he is a hard worker. We will see what will happens at Celtic or elsewhere."

Postecoglou - who was born in Greece and raised in Australia from a young age - added that one day managing the land of his birth would be a dream finale to his coaching career.

He said: "It would be perfect to end my career with the national team of Greece."