Strachan Hails New Bhoy

Feb 3 2008 By Mark Guidi And Kevin Mcallion

CELTIC boss Gordon Strachan last night hailed Georgios Samaras after he capped his debut with a goal in the Scottish Cup stroll at Kilmarnock.

The on-loan Manchester City striker came off the bench to complete the 5-1, fifth-round rout of sad Killie at Rugby Park.

And if he keeps up that kind of form Strachan will seize the chance to land the Greek star in a £2million permanent deal this summer.

Samaras struggled for form at City and the Hoops boss hopes he can rebuild his career at Parkhead.

Strachan said: " I thought Samaras did well and I'm pleased for him. It's not easy for a big man - he has only had seven games this year and bigger guys need more matches to get into their stride.

"Samaras gives us a different option up front so we can be pleased with the performance today."

Fellow new boy Barry Robson had to miss out yesterday as he was cup tied after playing for Dundee United against Clyde in the fourth round.

But Strachan expects the midfielder to have a big say in the rest of Celtic's season after his £1m move from Tannadice.

He said: "Barry was here today so we are looking for him to make the same impact as Georgios. I'm sure he will."

Youngster Paul Caddis was also given his first start at right-back and set up Scott McDonald's opener in an impressive display.

Strachan said: "Paul did well and should be pleased with himself. We have held him back a little because he is not the tallest. You have to learn the game more to compensate.

"Now he has had a long time training with us it's not a problem. Paul has more knowledge on how to play."

Aberdeen joined Celtic in today's quarter-final draw with an unconvincing 1-0 win at home to First Division leaders Hamilton.

Zander Diamond grabbed the winner but Accies deserved a replay at least.

Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood admitted: "The result was hard on Hamilton.

"I said to Billy Reid his team played well and he can be proud of them.

"When you do so well you should win."

Queen of the South are the only other side in the last eight after a 2-0 win at First Division rivals Morton.

Sean O'Connor and John Stewart pounced in the second half to fire Queens into the quarters for the second year in a row.

Boss Gordon Chisholm said: "Some people would like to get the Old Firm. But I'd rather have a side down at Palmerston and have a chance of getting to the semi-finals."

Dundee United escaped from Love Street with a 0-0 draw and St Mirren now face a Tannadice replay on February 12.

There will also be a rematch on the same night at Firhill after Partick Thistle ground out a 0-0 draw at Livingston.

Two ties fell to the weather and Motherwell will face Dundee on Tuesday in their rearranged Fir Park clash.

St Johnstone will make the trip to Ross County on February 12 after their match was called off yesterday.

Rangers and Hibs face off today at Easter Road - with the quarter-final draw taking place after the match.