No Giakoumakis for Celtic against St Mirren as Kobayashi makes debut

Giorgos Giakoumakis has not been included in Celtic’s 20-man squad for their game against St Mirren on Wednesday night.

The Greek forward has been linked with a move away from the club in January with Urawa Red Diamonds in Japan seeming the most likely destination.

#CelticFC Team News! 📋

Kobayashi starts to make his debut for the Celts ahead of #CELSTM! 🟢⚪
#cinchPrem | #COYBIG🍀 pic.twitter.com/kG0cLDTv7b
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 18, 2023

Ange Postecoglou has handed a debut to Yuki Kobayashi who makes his first start in place of Cameron Carter-Vickers who is also missing from the squad.

#OurStMirren starting line-up for tonight's cinch Premiership match away to @CelticFC. #OurStMirren #COYS pic.twitter.com/hvNA6wX3FC
— St Mirren FC (@saintmirrenfc) January 18, 2023

Celtic’s only defeat of the season has been the 2-0 loss to St Mirren in October and the Hoops have made four changes from the weekend’s semi-final win over Kilmarnock.

Alistair Johnston returns in place of Alex Bernabei with Josip Juranovic moving over to left-back, Matt O’Riley replaces Arron Mooy and Liel Abada comes in for Daizen Maeda in the front three.

Joe Hart starts in goals behind Johnston, Starfelt, Kobayashi, Juranovic, McGregor, O’Riley, Hatate, Abada, Kyogo and Jota.

St Mirren start with Carson, Gallagher, Shaughnessy, Dunne, Strain, Baccus, Errahon, Gogic, Tanser, Ayunga and Main.