Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has explained why Giorgos Giakoumakis is not in the squad for the fixture against the Buddies.

The Greek striker has been the subject of much transfer speculation over the last couple of months.

He came off the bench to score the second goal of the 2-0 victory against Kilmarnock in the League Cup semi-final.

And Postecoglou has addressed why he is not part of the squad. Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, he said: "Cameron Carter-Vickers and Giorgos Giakoumakis weren't available after pulling up a bit sore at the weekend.

"I don't think any of the injuries are serious and we expect them to be involved either at the weekend or against Dundee United."

When asked if fans should be reading into the Greek's exclusion, the 57-year-old replied: "He is not playing tonight because he is injured. If he wasn't injured he would be playing tonight."

READ MORE: Celtic team news as Ange Postecoglou names line-up for St Mirren clash

He told PLZ Soccer: "I think he is looking for a big payday. "I think he is looking for money. He's 28 years old and he thinks that he needs a big move here.

"He played for a small club in Holland and smaller clubs in Greece so I think he's looking for big money. Maybe a four or five year deal and that'll be his one big move.

"I don't think he's going to get that money at Celtic. I heard Ange Postecoglou talking about players demanding things and he said he'd just let him go.

"He's not one who will buckle under a player or an agent saying things - he will just say 'see you later'."

Postecoglou had only recently addressed the speculation surrounding the player, saying: "If at any point a player is not happy with that or wants more game time, there is one way to do that and that is to train harder and present yourself in the best possible way.

"Or you can look for other opportunities elsewhere. But I don’t spend time worrying about whether a guy is happy with what contribution he is making.

Glasgow Times:

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