Celtic F.C. manager Neil Lennon praised Georgios Samaras for his man-of-the-match performance against Dundee United on Saturday but conceded the Greece international could be leaving the club in the summer.
After a successful six-month loan spell at Celtic Park, Samaras, 29, joined the Scottish champions on a permanent deal from Manchester City in the summer of 2008.
The 29-year-old, formerly of Dutch Eredivisie side Heerenveen, is out of a contract at the end of the season, with speculation suggesting the player could be in search of pastures new.
Samaras’ suitors reportedly include the likes of Hull City and Rubin Kazan, while unnamed clubs in Turkey and Spain are also believed to be keen on the Greek forward.
When asked about Samaras’ future at Parkhead, Lennon told Sky Sports News: “It’s still open to debate at the minute. There is no forward movement on whether he stays or goes.
“From my point of view I would like to keep him as he brings something different to the team, but Sami will have his own perspective on that.
“There may be a bit of movement yet but at the moment it looks like he won’t be here next season, but while he is I think he owes it to the supporters to show he is still a quality player.
“I know him better than anyone and knew I would get a big performance out of him… as I did with Beram Kayal, so I am very pleased with their contributions today.”
Samaras has tallied five goals in 18 Scottish Premier League appearances for Celtic this season.
Odemwingie sympathises with Berahino
Stoke City F.C. forward Peter Odemwingie has shown sympathy for former team-mate Saido Berahino following his dressing room bust-up at West Bromwich Albion.
Odemwingie, 32, has been on scintillating form for the Potters since joining from Albion on a one-and-a-half year deal in January.
The 32-year-old was criticised heavily for reportedly attempting to force through a move to Queens Park Rangers last summer but insists he — and now Berahino — have been singled out unfairly by West Brom players.
“I have been painted as the bad boy and the money grabber, Odemwingie said.
“I am not. I would have accepted some of the blame for what happened if the club and the agents would have accepted some as well, but they would not.
“What Berahino is facing now, I faced, they are just picking on a young boy.”
Odemwingie has netted four goals in 11 English Premier League starts for Stoke City in 2014.
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