Samaras on the up

Georgios Samaras is determined to keep his place in Neil Lennon’s plans. He underlined his commitment to his cause when he scored a hat-trick against Inverness in the Co-Operative Insurance Cup on Wednesday. The Greek striker showed why Lennon is looking to offer him a new contract but Anthony Stokes also did his chances of retaining his place no harm with a double - one from the spot - while fit-again Gary Hooper scored his first competitive goal since signing from Scunthorpe in the summer. The Irishman has the welcome selection dilemma for the visit of Hibs at the weekend where he will be looking to make it six SPL wins in succession but Samaras wants to be counted in.

He said: "We have a really good squad. Scott Brown was not playing and Ki Sung-yueng took his place and for me he was man of the match. Daryl Murphy didn't play and Gary Hooper did so it shows that we have strength in our squad. It will be a big, big season in all three competitions and everybody must be ready for the time that the gaffer comes and says to them that he is going to play them. And I am here to give 100% for the team whenever the gaffer asks me."

Lennon looked like he was willing to let Samaras leave following the Active Nation Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Ross County last season but admits he has had a change of heart since becoming permanent manager. Lennon said: "Yes, Samaras has changed my perception. His attitude pre-season was fantastic and hopefully we will talk to his representatives next month about a new contract. There were clubs who were interested in him in the summer but he said he didn't want to go, he wanted to stay and prove he is good enough to be here and he has done that. Hopefully this will give him a lift." Emilio Izaguirre had to be replaced by Charlie Mulgrew in the first half but Lennon played down fears that the Honduran left-back had sustained a serious injury. He said: "We thought it was a tear at first but it's not, he just had a knee into the thigh and the leg went dead so we will see how is. We are hoping he is fit for Saturday."