Greece boss Gus Poyet has revealed Giorgos Giakoumakis' imminent departure from Celtic is because of a lack of game time this season.

The Hoops striker is set to leave Parkhead this week with a number of teams interested in signing the 28-year-old, with Urawa Red Diamonds the favourites.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou admitted he left Giakoumakis out of his Scottish Cup romp against Morton because of 'a few things going on in the background.'

Now his international boss Poyet has offered his opinion why he believes the striker has decided to leave Celtic. And he's insisted that whoever he signs for, he will remain in the former Brighton and Sunderland manager's Greek squad.

Poyet said: "I think Giorgos is a strong character, he likes to play football, he gives you 100% all the time, I think that's why he's so popular with Celtic. He's got better in front of goal and scored a few goals.

READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou on Josip Juranovic and Giorgos Giakoumakis transfers

"But this season he wasn't playing regularly. He felt he wanted to play.

"At first I heard it was this team in Japan he was going to sign for and now I hear it's the team in MLS. I always tell any player when they ask for my opinion that they have to make good decisions.

"The more good decisions you make in your career, the better your career gets.

"But wherever he is in the world, he will be in the national team if he doesn't have injury problems.

"I like him a lot and he is an important member of the Greek national team and I hope he makes the right decision for himself and for the national team."

Glasgow Times:

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