Samaras understands Hibernian omission

29 September 2010 14:00

Celtic striker Georgios Samaras claims Neil Lennon was acting in his best interests when he dropped him following his hat-trick against Inverness.

Samaras netted his first treble for Celtic during last Wednesday's 6-0 Co-operative Insurance Cup victory over Terry Butcher's side. However, Shaun Maloney replaced the Greece striker in Lennon's starting line-up for the 2-1 victory against Hibernian three days later, with Samaras coming on for Gary Hooper for the last 20 minutes.

"I know they have taken extra care with me as I came in straight after the World Cup and sometimes I need a rest, and that is normal," Samaras told the Celtic View.

"It's not good if you play 90 minutes and then pick up an injury that puts you out for three or four weeks.

"I think the gaffer knows exactly what I can do and sometimes when I am not playing it's for my own good.

"And for the moment we have a good squad and he can use the rotation, and that's a good thing."

Source: PA