Can Samaras kick-start his Celtic career after Ibrox triumph?
The Greek confounded many people today
An enigma wrapped in a puzzle topped off with luxurious hair is one way to describe Georgios Samaras but the Greek striker stepped up to the plate today. Celtic were struggling for strikers and it was between Samaras and Anthony Stokes to lead the line today.
Neither have been first picks for Lennon or big hits with the Celtic faithful but when it looked as though Celtic were reverting to one up front, Samaras became the sensible choice. Samaras has looked poor playing on the left of a front three but the times he has excelled this season, he has been at the focal point of the attack.
The first half saw Samaras run and press, although he could have been a bit more direct but he was not involved too much. That all changed in the second half.
Celtic could have had a sensational start to the second period when Samaras fed in McCourt but the Irishman’s shot just went wide of the post. It was a warning sign to the home side but things were just warming up for Samaras.
Joe Ledley played a terrific ball through but the idiocy of Alan McGregor in the Rangers goal gave Samaras the perfect opportunity to open the scoring. When the goalie comes that far he has to win the ball or take the man and accept the consequences. Samaras’ quick feet took the ball away from the Rangers number and allowed the Greek striker to run in on goal…albeit at an angle.
Some Celtic fans may have expected the ball to hit the side netting but he managed to roll the ball home to grab first blood for Celtic. With his confidence brimming, the Greek striker was even better for the second goal.
With no support, Samaras evaded Ness and again, showed lighting reactions to nick the ball past Bougherra before being taken out of play by a centre half who had a poor day at the office. The Rangers keeper guessed correctly Samaras’ penalty was expertly stuck – at a great height and into the inner netting of the goal.
On this form, Samaras is unstoppable but these days have been few and far between at Celtic. There have been rumours of his impending exit from Celtic Park and even after today, many hoops fans would not be gutted if he left.
Days like today shows exactly what the player has in his locker and when played in the right system, Samaras can be a huge player for Celtic. Whether he gets to stay around and see if he can add consistency to his game?
It may have been a case of too little too late for many Celtic fans when it comes to Samaras at Celtic Park but even if he goes soon, his performance today will soften the memories that Celtic fans have of the Greek striker.
Is it time for Sammy to go or can he rebuild his Celtic career?
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
the answer is a resounding no, we’ve seen this time and again over last few years, 10 poor games to one good one is a totally unacceptable ratio, fair play to him today but he has shown hes just not up to anything near a consistent run of performances. Such a pity cause he’s got it in his locker, just hasnt the brain or belief to bring it out often enough.
how cumz youz selik fans goat me sacked?
Jason – take the blinkers off mate and stop believing everything you read in the media.
If people like you started giving Sami the benefit of the doubt instead of complaining every time he gets the ball you might be able to see what a player he is.
As they say, ‘you can keep all of the people happy some of the time, or some of the people happy all of the time, but there’s some ****** that are just torn faced by nature’.
GRININ’ CSC
samararse has one good game and hes the best thing since sliced bread u lot seem to forget he was getting all sorts of abuse after the ross county game i agree with jason hell be back to his normal dud self next game if hes picked and remember one swallow doesnt make a summer
its like back to the old days long as u beat rangers or we beat celtic its ok but remember celtic have slipped up to inverness and ross county etc long long way to go yet and we have two games in hand
Have said it since the day we signed Sammy…When he plays to his potential he is one of the best players in the UK (nevermind the SPL)….but these days come once every blue mooon.
As Lenny said today, if Sammy can play to todays standard consistently then hes world class and more than deserves a new contract, if he does it one every 10 games, get him to fuck.