Greece v Sweden

Jun 8 2008

GEORGIOS SAMARAS was a starry-eyed teenager when he watched Greece shock the world by winning Euro 2004.

Four years later, the on-loan Celtic striker is a major player for Otto Rehhagel's side as they defend their trophy.

But Samaras, who is still contracted to Manchester City, refuses to dream about a repeat performance.

And the 23-year-old admits he's jealous of the senior squad members who tasted Euro success in Portugal.

Georgios said: "I can't have such big dreams about winning the trophy. It would be difficult to achieve that success again.

"I'm quite jealous of the older players in the squad but in a good way. Our aim is to reach the knock-out stages."

Samaras could be handed the lone striker's role in the opening Group D clash against Sweden on Tuesday ahead of Euro 2004 hero Angelos Charisteas.

The Swedes, meanwhile, will rely on former Celtic hero Henrik Larsson and Inter Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Samaras said: "We've been studying Sweden a lot and believe we're physically and mentally ready for it.

"Ibrahimovic is a quality player but we're not scared of him. One man doesn't make a team."

The Greeks have been accused of being boring and over-physical but Samaras is having none of it.

He said: "We play a strong game but not a dirty one and we don't concern ourselves with the referee or anyone else."