We'll Give It Large

Feb 24 2008 By Euan Mclean

Samaras Calls On Gaffer To Give Him And Jan Tall Order St Mirren V Celtic Today, Kick-Off 2pm Live Setanta Sports

GEORGIOS SAMARAS insists he can play beside Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink at Celtic and reckons they can form the tallest strike partnership in Scotland.

The Greek hitman knows Hoops fans think he was brought in on loan from Manchester City as direct competition for the big Dutchman.

But he claims it's wrong to assume their styles are the same just because they're both strapping six-footers.

In fact Samaras reckons they couldn't be more different and says his direct style could complement Vennegoor of Hesselink's perfectly.

But the Parkhead new boy knows it will be tough to test his theory with Celtic top scorer Scott McDonald in such fine form.

He said: "I don't think it is either myself or Jan who will be in the team.

"I'm a different style of player to Jan and a different player than Scott too.

"In a good side you are not alone - you have a team. Sometimes when there are other strikers it maybe gives you a little bit more. You push yourself to prove you are good enough to play.

"Jan and Scott have had a great season so far and have scored a lot of goals.We will see what happens but it's up to the manager which strikers play."

Samaras burst on to the scene at Dutch club Heerenveen and recalls Vennegoor of Hesselink from his days at PSV Eindhoven.

Support And he claims big Jan has helped him settle in since his January move to Celtic.

The striker said: "I know Jan well from my time in Holland and I'm glad to be at the same club as him now.

"From the first day at Celtic he has really helped me settle in.

"All my team-mates have been great and it's important to have people around who support you."

While Samaras insists it's not a straight battle with Vennegoor of Hesselink it seems boss Gordon Strachan doesn't agree.

Samaras has made four appearances off the bench for Celtic and the last two have been at Jan's expense.

The Greek ace loved coming on in Wednesday's 3-2 thriller against Barcelona at Parkhead and can't wait to make his first start in the Hoops.

His three-week wait for a starting slot could come to an end this afternoon at Love Street in the SPL.

But even if Samaras starts on the bench against St Mirren he's satisfied to wait a little longer for his big chance.

Georgios said: "I have been ready to start since the moment I got here. I want to help Celtic win every game.

"I have not started yet and that's okay but I think in the next few weeks I will finally get a chance.

"The main thing is I am happy here. For the moment I'm enjoying my football and I must be patient.

"I think it's great at Celtic. I'm really happy to be at a big club that tries to win trophies and play in the Champions League. Those are the kind of things every player wants to do."

The sheer size of his new club was evident on Wednesday night when Parkhead was packed to the gunnels for the visit of Barcelona's superstars.

It was a massive European night and an early 23rd birthday present Samaras will never forget.

The striker was gutted his side slumped to just their second Champions League defeat at Parkhead - to Barca yet again.

But he was blown away by the passion of the crowd and can't wait for the second leg at the Nou Camp.

Celtic need a miracle to go through but Samaras hopes to line up more Champions League nights by pipping Rangers to win a third successive SPL title.

He added: "The experience and passion of a European night at Parkhead was just unbelievable. I was standing at half-time watching the supporters sing You'll Never Walk Alone and I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life.

"I don't know if I will feel this again in any other game. It was unbelievable.

"I had my birthday on Thursday and that was the best present I could have hoped for.

"I have seen Celtic are a big club, a team that always tries to attack.

"That is the reason Imade the decision to come here on loan.

"I spoke with the manager before I signed and he told me the style and everything about the club.

"I was happy with all I heard so I signed.

I didn't need to speak to anyone else about coming here after that. I trusted what I heard, what I had seen and trusted myself to make the choice.

"When you feel you have the support of the team, the club and the supporters then there is no better feeling for a player coming to a new team.

"I'm glad I'm here and I can hopefully help win trophies. We're still in the Scottish Cup and are second in the league."