Georgios Samaras ‘committed’ to Celtic

Georgios Samaras says he has no intention of leaving Celtic any time soon.

The Greece international, 28, arrived at Parkhead on loan from Manchester City in January 2008 before signing a permanent deal the following summer, and is now the longest-serving player at the club aside from skipper Scott Brown.

While speculation surrounds the futures of players such as Gary Hooper, Victor Wanyama and Fraser Forster, Samaras is “fully committed” to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions and will discuss an extension to his current deal, which finishes next year, at a time to suit both parties.

Speaking at Lennoxtown ahead of tomorrow’s SPL clash with St Johnstone at Celtic Park, he said: “I have one more year of my contract and hopefully I will be here next season.

“Six years is a lot but it has gone so fast and when you feel good at the club, people are looking after you and you feel you are part of a big family, I cannot see a reason to leave. But it is too soon to speak about a contract. When they are ready and I am ready then we will have a chat. But we have plenty of time, don’t worry.”

Samaras is looking forward to Celtic being presented with the SPL trophy tomorrow, before they turn their attentions to the William Hill Scottish Cup final against Hibernian at Hampden Park later in the month.

“It is a great day for everyone, for all the hard work we have put in all season,” said Samaras, who was recently voted player of the year by the club’s supporters.

“It is day when the fans enjoy the game, there is no pressure, just a celebration.

“Our mentality is to go and win every game. I know in the last couple of games we didn’t have the best results but to be honest we are really focused for the cup final.

“It would be great to win the cup. Everybody is looking forward to that game. I have been six years at the club and I haven’t done the double and I think now is the perfect timing.”

Meanwhile, French defender Steven Mouyokolo has been training with the Celtic squad at Lennoxtown.

The 26-year-old centre-back is a free agent after his contract with Wolves was terminated by mutual consent in January.