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Page last updated at 11:12 GMT, Monday, 24 March 2008

Samaras targets Old Firm victory

Georgios Samaras
Georgios Samaras says he can fire Celtic to an Old Firm victory

Celtic striker Georgios Samaras says he can fire the side to victory in next Saturday's Old Firm encounter at Ibrox.

The SPL champions trail league leaders Rangers by three points, having played a game more and will be looking to close the gap on Walter Smith's side.

"It doesn't matter whether it's Gretna, Rangers of Barcelona I think I can score in all games," said Samaras.

"I'm not afraid of these games and don't fell pressure. I will just enjoy it," the 23-year-old added.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has used Scott McDonald and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink as his preferred striking partnership this season.

But Samaras, who joined Celtic on loan from Manchester City in January, has made a number of impressive performances as a substitute.

We are ready to go to Ibrox and win

Georgios Samaras

And the Greece international said he was desperate to start at Ibrox on Saturday.

"It's up to the gaffer and he will decide if I play against Rangers," he said.

"I am happy to be helping Celtic but I always try to push myself to score more goals," he said.

"I am always asking more from myself. I feel okay at the moment but in the future I want a bit more."

Samaras came off the bench to score the third goal in Celtic's 3-0 victory over Gretna on Sunday.

"It wasn't a very good game but we deserved to win," he said.

"We cannot play like that against Rangers but we are ready, mentally and physically, to go to Ibrox and win."



see also
Strachan looks to Old Firm test
24 Mar 08 |  Celtic
Gretna 0-3 Celtic
23 Mar 08 |  Scottish Premier


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