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Samaras starts against Barcelona- Scott Brown missing

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Image for Samaras starts against Barcelona- Scott Brown missing

Champions League Celtic newsGeorgios Samaras has passed a fitness test and starts tonight’s Champions League clash against Barcelona.

Samaras hasn’t played since being injured in the first half against Barcelona in the Nou Camp and will play wide left in a Celtic side without Scott Brown, Gary Hooper and Emilio Izaguirre.

Tony Watt starts the match on the bench with fellow Coatbridge bhoy John Herron on the bench for the first time.

Adam Matthews is likely to start the match at left back with Charlie Mulgrew playing in a three man defensive partnership alongside Efee Ambrose and Kelvin Wilson.

Looking forward to the match Neil Lennon admitted: “Barcelona might think: ‘We really have to turn it on and put this team in their place.’

“That’s what I’m thinking given that we’re playing them so soon after the game at their place.

“It could also be great motivation for us, that the way that game ended is still fresh in the mind and still raw with the players.

“They put so much into the last game and got nothing from it so they want to go one better this time but I’d never be blasé against this Barca side.

“We’re tight up against it. I watched them away against Benfica and half an hour into the game they were one up with 70 per cent of the possession. That’s exactly what they do to teams.

“They pass it so well and have complete trust and faith in one another, the way they take the ball under pressure and just know where the other player is — and that’s born out of having quality players.

“Our players are more aware of what they’re going to come up against now, having played them. It’s everyone’s dream to play against Barcelona. That dream is a reality, it’s hard work, it’s concentration, leg work and discipline.

CELTIC: Forster; Lustig, Ambrose, Wilson, Matthews; Commons, Wanyama, Ledley, Mulgrew; Miku, Samaras

SUBS: Zaluska, McCourt, Herron, Fraser, Kayal, Watt, McGeouch

CLICK HERE for Green Brigade’s Barcelona display

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