samaras: bhoys ready for derby

Gregor Kyle
SATURDAY’S resounding victory over Falkirk served as the perfect warm-up for this weekend’s first derby of the season, with Celtic scoring three and conceding none in what was a highly entertaining performance.

The win also carried considerable promise for the coming season, with Shaun Maloney producing an outstanding display in his first game back at Celtic Park, Glenn Loovens looking strong in defence in his debut and Marc Crosas giving a hint of his talent in an 18-minute cameo.

Summer signing Georgios Samaras also scored his first two goals of the season and quickly forged a good partnership with Maloney up front.

Speaking after the final whistle though, the Greek internationalist’s main concern was for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, who was carried off with a nasty gash to his ankle early on.

"It was a shame to see Jan stretchered off like that,” said Samaras. “It was unlucky for him but I don't think the defender tried to do something bad to him.

"Shaun and I played really well together and it was the first time we had linked up,” he continued. “We connected on the park and communicated really well. You saw the results and I hope we can repeat this in future.

"It was a good performance against Falkirk and sets us up mentally for the Rangers game.

"Shaun is a really good player and I hope that he along with Scott, Jan and myself can help Celtic achieve our target of winning the league for a fourth time and make us champions again.”

The manner of the win was a statement of intent from the champions ahead of this weekend’s meeting with Rangers, with both Samaras and Maloney staking a claim for a place in the starting XI.

As Samaras explained though, he is making no assumptions and instead is only focused on taking all three points.

"We do not know who will be playing but everybody will be ready, both physically and mentally,” he commented.

"I played three times against Rangers last season and the atmosphere at both Celtic Park and Ibrox is fantastic. For me it is one of the best derbies in the world and I'm just really glad I'm part of this.

"It's important for your confidence to get off the mark early in the season and it shows you are here and good enough to play for Celtic at this level,” he added. "I'm very happy here and the team’s confidence will be up ahead of the Rangers game.

"Whether I score against Falkirk or Rangers it's a goal and it helps my team. The most important thing next week is just to win the three points."