By Chris McLaughlin

Neil Lennon says he is still looking to sign a striker - but that Georgios Samaras is proving his worth so far this season.

The Celtic manager says a goalkeeper and a forward are top of his transfer priority list.

"I liked his attitude during the pre-season. His all-round game is coming on," Lennon said of Samaras.

"He could be a very important player for us this season. I'm very pleased with him."

Samaras scored in Thursday's 2-0 win over Utrecht in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier - the first time he has found the net in competitive action this season.

We are pursuing three or four names in three or four positions Celtic manager Neil Lennon

It had looked as if he might be surplus to requirements during the summer, with Lennon's reservations about him well-known.

But the Greece forward looks certain to lead the line again when St Mirren visit on Sunday and Lennon said: "There were glimpses of inconsistency in his game again against Utrecht.

"He played very well first-half, but there were bits of his game he could have improved in the second-half.

"Overall, though, I'm very pleased with him. If anyone deserved a goal over the piece, it was him, so hopefully he'll take a lot from that.

"His attitude and his level of performance have been good, no doubt about it. He's been a big player for me so far."

Samaras scored against Utrecht on Thursday

Samaras has put behind him his country's disappointing World Cup finals campaign as he enters the final year of his contract at Celtic Park.

"With all footballers, you have a point to prove to people, but deep down it's proving the point to yourself," said Lennon.

"I think he's got the bit between the teeth at the minute. He's only got a year left on his contract, so he's playing for his future as well.

"I look at what he's got in his make-up and I think he's got all the attributes for what it takes to be a modern-day striker."

Lennon has already recruited forwards Gary Hooper and Daryl Murphy but has sold Cillian Sheridan and allowed Morten Rasmussen, Paul McGowan and Ben Hutchison to go out on loan.

Meanwhile, while Celtic are believed to be interested in signing Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given and Everton defender Joseph Yobo, Lennon did not wish to respond publicly about any specific players.

"We are just weighing up options and we will see what becomes available in the next week or so," he added.

"We are pursuing three or four names in three or four positions and we are going to be linked with various people."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version