Have to say I don't understand all the criticism of Samaras. He never hides, covers a lot of ground and is always looking for the ball as far as I can see. I can understand the frustration that things don't always happen when he's on the ball but surely that's as much to do with the players around him and their movement off the ball? Lets face it, the tactics last night were wrong and that has got to be down to Neil Lennon etc. I'm a big fan of his but he got it wrong last night - he's sharp and I want him to succeed big time, so lets hope he gets it right for the next leg!
Samaras... He far too inconsitant (sp?) and is really frustrating to watch at times. I'd have let him go - no contract extension Great new on Brown. Wasn't his greatest fan but has now found his form/position and must be teh 1st name on the team sheet
But the players around him are the same players around Hooper & Stokes & they're not **** Lennnon has done a great job except for this belief that in big games Samaras must play........I said as much on here before the final old firm game - it was obvious what our team would be so Rangers would be able to prepare for it. If Hooper isn't fit for next week I fear for us as we will play 451 with Stokes on the bench & Samaras upfront & we will lose
I don't suppose there's any chance you'll be shouting encouragement to Samaras in the near future then? LOL!! He can be very frustrating at times I know and he does get a lot of stick for it but surely he is doing what he is told to do by Neil etc? (Otherwise why would they persist with him?) I still think he does a good job for us overall but I acknowledge your right to differ. I agree that Gary Hooper was badly missed and hope too that he is fit for the return leg....but we really do need another striker as we look 'toothless' far too often for my liking!
Course I will cheer him on when he is playing I agree Lennon takes some of the blame as Samaras cannot play the lone role because he not able to hold the ball up, he doesn't make runs through the channels and doesn't keep himself as the focal point enough preferring to go out to the wings. But Samaras should still be clever & experienced enough to know that playing as the lone striker you need to bring the ball down & not flick it on every time. He is not ruthless infront of goal, perhaps because he had such a poor 18 months in terms of scoring. When Hooper is fit and the squad is back to full strength I'd like to see Samaras play some reserve fixtures or friendlies to get some goals & confidence so should he be needed further down the season he will hopefully play with more confidence in his ability.
Fair enough BFB. I don't think we're going to agree on the merits or otherwise of Samaras but I agree with you that his confidence needs a boost and it's certainly not helped by Celtic fans booing or jeering him when he makes a mistake. Anyway, roll on tomorrow's game eh!
