Source: Team_Talk
Burley: Time up for Hoops strikers
The duo were disappointing in the Hoops' shock Homecoming Scottish Cup exit at St Mirren on Saturday.
A week after the Parkhead side thrashed the Saints 7-0 in their Scottish Premier League clash at Celtic Park, Billy Mehmet's second-half penalty at St Mirren Park took the Paisley side into the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since 1987.
Vennegoor of Hesselink, 30, who missed a penalty in last week's game, has scored in just one match this season - a brace against Aberdeen in September- while Samaras has not scored in his last 11 appearances.
Despite Celtic being on track for their fourth SPL title in a row, Burley - now working as a media pundit - insists the Parkhead boss has to find some help for top scorer Scott McDonald.
"If you can nullify Scott McDonald, as St Mirren did yesterday, there isn't another Celtic frontman who will cause you problems," Burley told the Sunday Times.
"Not Georgios Samaras. And certainly not Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.
"For me, Vennegoor of Hesselink is over the hill. If the legs aren't gone they are very much on their way.
"His lack of movement is showing and much of this may be attributed to recent injury problems but he has never looked fit to me. He always looks cumbersome. He never looks sharp.
"Watching Celtic yesterday I was almost losing the will to live at times. Vennegoor of Hesselink missed at least three clear chance in front of goal.
"When you cannot even look at your best against St Mirren, you really are in trouble.
"He even managed to have a nightmare when Celtic beat the same opponents 7-0 last week.
"It has become a position Strachan must look at now."
"With Samaras, it is a question of attitude," Burley continued.
"For me, he doesn't want to roll his sleeves up and do the dirty side of the game.
"He shows the odd bit of ability now and then suggesting there is more to come but let's just say if there is a player in him, he keeps it well hidden.
"Samaras is not the answer as a long-term replacement for Vennegoor of Hesselink. They both need replacing.
"A decision needs to be made about the number nine position in the summer.
"Even winning the title would only be papering over the cracks."
