Giorgios Giakoumakis in pointed Celtic callback as he names key factor behind beating Lionel Messi to major MLS award

Striker Giorgos Giakoumakis has reminded former club Celtic that when he is "happy" he "produces" after picking up a top MLS award.

The Greek striker has been in electrifying form since leaving the Scottish Premiership behind in January with 17 goals netted so far for Atlanta United - leaving him tied at second place for the league's Golden Boot award. It follows a lacklustre end to his Parkhead career, with Ange Postecoglou using him sparingly as he appeared to be inching closer to the exit door.

He managed nine goals in all competitions in his final six months at Parkhead before making the switch Stateside and has went on to show his best form. His form has seen him come out on top for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award award despite World Cup winning hero Lionel Messi making the move to Inter Miami. The former Celtic man who scooped the coveted Newcomer of the Year award with 45.78 per cent of the vote, almost 20 points higher than Messi's 27.28 per cent.

After picking up the gong, the Greek international looked back at his decision to leave Celtic. He said "The way the club (Atlanta United) have treated me since the very first moment, even before I came to be honest, they approached me in a really warm way. The moment I decided on the USA I was a bit stressed because it was a new continent and I was coming from the other side of the world.

"Until I had signed for Atlanta I had only played in Europe, so it was a bit stressful but the moment I moved here the people around the club they showed me 'this is your home now' and that was a key part of my success this season. Of course my teammates and the staff, with the plan that we have he word every day but try to enjoy every single day. I am happy, and when I am