Celtic cast-off would make useful addition to West Brom’s squad

West Brom have joined a cluster of clubs interested in giving Greek international forward Georgios Samaras a new home after the 29-year-old was released by Celtic, and it’s a wise move by the Baggies.

Samaras may have failed to make much of an impression the first time he arrived in the Premier League at Manchester City, but he’s arguably developed into a much more useful player now.

Regular exposed to the Champions League during his seven-season spell at Parkhead and now the veteran of four major tournaments as a Greek international, Samaras would bring a wealth of experience to the Hawthorns.

It must be said that Celtic’s long-term servant carries a fairly modest goals record for a striker, of roughly one every four games over his senior club career.

However, his list of attributes makes him more of a valuable team player and a different sort of option to anything Alan Irvine currently has in his squad.

Although Samaras originally operated as a target man, in the last few seasons he’s developed into more of a left winger come left-sided forward.

And given the Baggies already have Saido Berahino, Victor Anichebe and new signing Brown Ideye vying for the striking positions, Samaras would be a useful understudy to skipper Chris Brunt on the left of midfield.

Then if injury strikes or the Midlands club are looking for a way back into a game, throwing the gangly 6ft 4″ Greek into the fray up top with his aerial prowess also has plenty of appeal.

West Brom got off to a mixed start in the Premier League under Irvine’s stewardship, drawing 2-2 at home to Sunderland.

Next up is a tricky-looking fixture at St Mary’s which is reflected in the Baggies’ odds of 10/3 to secure the spoils against a Southampton side who greatly impressed against Liverpool on day one.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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