Celtic correspondent Kieran Devlin has provided an update on striker Giorgos Giakoumakis following his absence against Hibernian on Sunday.

The Lowdown: Easter Road blank

The Hoops made a number of changes against Bodo/Glimt last week, seemingly prioritising the league fixture at Easter Road on Sunday.

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Giakoumakis started in Norway but was missing from the squad against Hibs, with Daizen Maeda leading the line.

Unfortunately, Celtic couldn’t find a breakthrough against Shaun Maloney’s side and had to settle for a 0-0 draw. There was good news, though, with Rangers failing to take advantage of the Hoops’ slip up, drawing with Motherwell just hours later to ensure the gap at the top of the Premiership stayed at three points.

The Latest: Devlin’s update

Devlin ran a Q&A on The Athletic on Sunday and answered a question regarding Giakoumakis.

He relayed comments from Ange Postecoglou who said the striker was ‘ill’ and hopes to have the 27-year-old back against St Mirren on Wednesday.

"He's ill, Postecoglou hopes he's back for Wednesday."

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Giakoumakis was the hero in Celtic’s last league win against Dundee, scoring a hat-trick at Parkhead.

He was labelled as ‘hugely important’ by Postecoglou following that display, so it would be good news if he can return to the squad tomorrow evening.

Postecoglou is already without Kyogo Furuhashi and Albian Ajeti due to injury, leaving Maeda and youngster Johnny Kenny as the only options without Giakoumakis. Fingers crossed he will shake off his illness and pick up from where he left off at Celtic Park.

In other news: Devlin now reveals Celtic 'definitely want' to sign 'incredible' £22k-p/w international.