 There are bound to be some disappointed players tomorrow as they are not in the squad for the Co-operative Insurance Cup final. Johan Mjallby for one will have sympathy for the Celtic players who will not face Rangers at Hampden. After making the Scottish Cup semi-finals at the expense of Inverness on Wednesday, right-back Mark Wilson and skipper Scott Brown are available again after suspension which leave manager Neil Lennon a bit of a selection headache. Assistant manager Mjallby knows that missing out on a cup final appearance will be particularly difficult to take. The former Celtic defender said: "It is hard because it is a cup final. You want to pick every player in the squad because it is a big day and they have all made a contribution and they have been great to work with this season. It is a shame that you can't pick them all and there are obviously going to be a few who are disappointed. There's not much you can do but you have to make those decisions and on the day we have to pick the team that we think is the best for us. So it is a bit of a headache, but it is a nice headache." One player who is almost certain to start is Georgios Samaras who signed a new on Friday, which will keep him at Parkhead until 2014. Lennon has tended to start with the Greece international in Old Firm games and Samaras admits it is a fixture he enjoys. He said: "Old Firm games are one of the best derbies in the world. The atmosphere and supporters, in the way they celebrate, is unique and I am glad to be part of it. Football players would love to play in these games." Samaras is hoping his manager, who is at present on a six-month rolling contract, follows him in signing a new, extended deal. The former Manchester City player said: "He is doing excellent work and the fair thing is for him to sign a new deal. All my team-mates would love to see him stay at the club. I am really happy about my deal. It is a big club which tries to win every game and win trophies and that is the reason I signed for another three years. I gave my word to the gaffer that I would not sign a pre-contract with another club. I had some conversations with the club and took our time to make the right decision."' |
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