Celtic great Pierre van Hoojidonk reckons Giorgos Giakoumakis could be the Champions League difference-maker that the Hoops need.

The 50-year-old, who netted 52 goals in 84 appearances during his time at Celtic, insists it’s only a matter of time before the Greek gets back on the scoresheet.

Giakoumakis scored 17 goals for Ange Postecoglou’s side last season despite missing several months of the campaign through injury.

He missed part of the Celtic pre-season training camp this summer due to the birth of his daughter and has had a quiet start to the season - having come off the bench in the Hoops' first two Scottish Premiership games.

However, Van Hoojidonk insists it won’t be long before the striker is banging in the goals – and has tipped the forward to have a successful Champions League campaign with Celtic.

He said to the Scottish Sun: “I would always play Giakoumakis in the Scottish league. OK, some of the games Celtic have in the Scottish league are comfortable for them.

“A player like Jota can win games on his own. He is a quality attacker and makes the difference. He can score goals and create chances and goals.

“But in other games in Scotland, when you are playing stronger sides and don’t get as many chances, that is when you need the real goalscorers.

“What matters in football is scoring goals and guys like Giakoumakis are very good at that.

“Goalscorers are not always appreciated but, more often than not, they always get back in the team.

“Maybe in the Champions League I would use Giakoumakis in a different way. Most of the time in that competition, Celtic will be playing against teams who could be stronger than they are.

“Someone who can drop into midfield and really press the defence. Giakoumakis is a goalscorer but he can be used to good effect in the Champions League too. He can trouble any defence.”