Samaras’ late winner on Tuesday night against Norwich rounded off an encouraging performance for the man signed from Heerenveen in January 2006.
His goal was his first since a penalty against Sheffield Wednesday early in the year, it was also his appearance of the season but he says he was not trying to prove manager Sven-Goran Eriksson was wrong for not picking him so far this term.
“I’m not trying to prove anything, I’m just trying to play my own game, help my team to win, improve myself and keep looking forward. I’m very happy that I’ve played a full game and I hope I get more chances to play,” says Georgios.
“I was just focused on the ball, but I knew that I would score. I’d had that feeling before the game so I’m very happy.
“I’ve just been focussing on my football, I’ve been training hard, I knew that my chance would come and it was up to me to take it. I’ll keep going and keep working hard.”
The home crowd had been getting edgy as the stalemate continued on Tuesday night, but Georgios also explained that ignoring any tension was key to him taking the crucial chance when it came his way, courtesy of a perfect pass from debutante Kelvin Etuhu (pictured with Georgios, right).
“Other players might worry, but I stay really calm, don’t get stressed, play my own game and enjoy it. Whatever happens, I have confidence in myself and I just keep trying.”
