Celtic manager Neil Lennon has urged Georgios Samaras to cash in on his fine start to the season and earn himself a new deal with the club.
The Greece forward, entering the final year of his contract, was on target for Celtic on Thursday night in the 2-0 Europa League home success over Utrecht having also impressed Lennon during a prolific pre-season.
"He could be a very important player for us this season. I'm very pleased with him," said Lennon.
"I liked his attitude during the pre-season. His all-round game is coming on.
"There were glimpses of inconsistency in his game again against Utrecht. He played very well first-half, but there were bits of his game he could have improved in the second-half.
"Overall, though, I'm very pleased with him. If anyone deserved a goal over the piece it was him so hopefully he'll take a lot from that.
"His attitude and his level of performance have been good, no doubt about it. He's been a big player for me so far.
"With all footballers you have a point to prove to people, but deep down it's proving the point to yourself. I think he's got the bit between the teeth at the minute. He's only got a year left on his contract so he's playing for his future, as well.
"I look at what he's got in his make-up and I think he's got all the attributes for what it takes to be a modern-day striker."
Source: PA
