Georgios Samaras would rather slug it out for silverware with Celtic than settle for a team of second-raters.

The Greek striker today insisted his heart was in the Hoops after rumours he had been set to quit Celtic.

Samaras was linked with Palermo, Espanyol, Hercules and Newcastle before the transfer window slammed shut this week.

But he claims the prospect of quitting Parkhead did not even cross his mind as SPL leaders Celtic bid to wrest the SPL title from the grasp of rivals Rangers.

Samaras said: “I would love to play and stay at Celtic rather than go to a club in Italy or Germany to fight for 10th or 11th position.

“When you finish the season, you have done nothing apart from winning enough games to stay in the middle of the table.

“That is the reason why Celtic are a great club, as you can be in the history. That’s important for us to understand as players and a team, and hopefully we can make something good this year.”

Now in his third season at Celtic, he added: “I feel really well here. I have a lot of friends here in Glasgow and I feel comfortable here.

“That’s the reason that the world of rumours of changing clubs never passed through my mind, because that is negative and I want to stay here.”

Samaras played for Greece at the World Cup before joining up with Celtic on their pre-season tour of North America.

Although reasonably pleased with his efforts so far this term, the former Manchester City forward believes there is plenty more to come from him.

He told The Celtic View: “I didn’t have a lot of rest this summer but I feel good in myself. I think more things will come in the coming weeks when I will feel fresher in my legs.”