Samaras: Skippy loves me really

Last updated : 09 January 2009 By Mikbhoy

The last time these two teams faced each other at Parkhead the home side won convincingly with Bobo Balde netting twice in a 3-0 victory. There's more chance of ex-Dundee player Gordon Strachan getting on the scoresheet himself tomorrow than there is of the big defender repeating his feat so the Celts will look to the strikers and hope that top scorer Georgis Samaras can continue to find the way to goal.

Striker Samaras says the lower division Dundee team will receive the same respect as their Tannadice Street neighbours did last week. "We prepare exactly the same as we do for SPL games and we will focus exactly the same, too." he said "Our destiny, whether it be in the SPL or the cup, is to win and the pressure is always there. I'm sure the lads can handle the pressure, We've proved that in the past and we'll prove it in the future. It's not like a relaxed week and a game where we will go on to the park, score five goals and move into the next round."

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink could be in line to start his first game since returning from the injury which has kept him out since October and Sami insists that he welcomes the big Dutchman's return to full fitness despite the added pressure on the incumbent forwards "We'll have Jan back, and that's really important for the team as well because he is a player who helps us massively with his skill and his strength." said the Greek international "I'm glad he is back because you work harder in training and the games to try to be in the starting side."

Graham Spiers wrote a piece in Monday's Times headlined 'Does it really matter that Celtic's McDonald and Samaras don't like each other' and highlighted a supposed rift between the two and in particular Scott McDonald's constant whining and bitching at his partner seemingly oblivious to the fact that our Aussie number seven constantly whines and bitches at every one on the pitch without fear or favour.

Spiers may be the most insightful journalist in the Scottish game but Celtic's big Greek striker insists that the 'fenian baptist' has got it wrong this time and that the man he calls 'Oz' likes him really "We're doing well. Both of us have scored goals in the last few weeks." he said "We have a good co-operation. We speak to each other in the games and we know the movements of each other. I'm really pleased Oz is playing next to me, and I think Oz is pleased I play next to him because we can work together really well."