Ange Postecoglou says his World Cup stars will return to Celtic high in confidence after impressing in Qatar.
Josip Juranovic has a semi-final against Argentina to look forward to and has been a stand-out for Croatia. Aaron Mooy, Daizen Maeda and Cameron Carter-Vickers all played their part for Australia, Japan and USA respectively, as they progressed through the group phase. While new signing Alistair Johnston impressed for Canada before sealing his move to Parkhead.
Postecoglou is looking forward to welcoming them back, with the Hoops chasing their second title on the trot and a domestic Treble. And he’s adamant that, after their World Cup experience, they’ll be in even better shape than before they left. The Celtic boss said: “It will definitely have been a positive experience for all our boys, they’ve all done well at the World Cup. They’ve all played meaningful minutes and they’ve all been really strong contributors to their countries.
“When you do that at a World Cup, you come back with a little bit more belief in yourself. We will get Aaron, Cameron and Daizen back early this week and Alistair joins us too so it will be good to have them back into the group.”
Meanwhile, Postecoglou says another of Celtic’s January signings, Yuki Kobayashi, will be given the time he needs to integrate into the club.
The Japanese centre-back has arrived from Kobe Vissel but won’t be registered to January 1. He didn’t play in yesterday’s friendly defeat to Rennes in Portugal and the manager says he’ll need time to get fully fit and ready for the Scottish Premiership.
Postecoglou said: “It’s been a bit early for him and it’s just an introduction. We’ve got a good three weeks before he’s even available to play.
“It’s just been a case of him getting to know the lads and how we train. As always the boys have been really good and the next few weeks it’s about getting up to speed.”
Meanwhile, Celtic striker Georgios Giakoumakis has changed his agent as he tries to negotiate an improved deal at Parkhead. The Greek front-man has a contract until 2026 and is only in his second season at the club, where he’s bagged an impressive 25 goals.
But Giakoumakis feels he deserves a better contract on more money, which has sparked speculation about his future. Celtic are now looking at potential replacements for the 28-year-old ahead of the January and summer windows. Giakoumakis has just signed up with BHM Sports Agency, the same company who represent Hoops team-mate Carl Starfelt.
But so far, negotiations over a new deal have stalled. It’s understood that Giakoumakis, who arrived from Dutch side VVV Venlo, has ambitions to play in England.
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