TIMES TALKER: Should Samaras play for Celtic if end is in sight?

YES says RONNIE CULLY

GEORGIOS SAMARAS should not be criticised for exercising his right not to accept a new contract and consider offers from other clubs.

The only thing that might be held against him is the fact he has yet to inform the club he is definitely not staying.

With the Greek enigma, there is no such thing as certainty. So, who can say for sure what he will do, either on the park or in the future?

That being the case, Celtic should continue to play him, in the off chance he does decide to hang around.

The last thing the manager needs is for Sami to sign another deal, go to the World Cup unprepared, pick up an injury while in Brazil, and return to Parkhead unfit to play.

Besides which, he is an entertainer - as he proved with his cameo appearance at Firhill last midweek - and the game needs entertainers.

NO says Hugh MacDonald

THE Greek drama that is Sami is reaching the final curtain at Parkhead. He is probably rehearsing his World Cup lines in private and should be allowed to get on with it.

Celtic have every right to pick a player whose wages they pay. But there is more to be gained by playing those who will be at the club for the next campaign.

This is now Celtic's pre-season with the crucial Champions League qualifying matches starting in July. Teemu Pukki, lacking in confidence and game time, and Amido Balde, criticised by most but still capable of the powerful intervention, need to be exposed to first-team football, particularly at a time when experimentation is possible.

It is the future now that must concern Neil Lennon and that no longer includes the mercurial, infuriating and sometimes influential Samaras.