Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Celtic striker Georgios Samaras claims Neil Lennon was acting in his best interests when he dropped him following his hat-trick against Inverness.
Samaras netted his first treble for Celtic during last Wednesday's 6-0 Co-operative Insurance Cup victory over Terry Butcher's side.
However, Shaun Maloney replaced the Greece striker in Lennon's starting line-up for the 2-1 victory against Hibernian three days later, with Samaras coming on for Gary Hooper for the last 20 minutes.
But Samaras believes Lennon is protecting him after a short summer break. The former Manchester City striker was playing pre-season matches for Celtic less than four weeks after playing in Greece's final World Cup match.
Samaras told the Celtic View: "I know they have taken extra care with me as I came in straight after the World Cup and sometimes I need a rest, and that is normal.
"It's not good if you play 90 minutes and then pick up an injury that puts you out for three or four weeks.
"I think the gaffer knows exactly what I can do and sometimes when I am not playing it's for my own good.
"And for the moment we have a good squad and he can use the rotation, and that's a good thing."
Samaras looked to be on his way out of Parkhead this summer after making only one start following the Scottish Cup defeat by Ross County.
However, Samaras has featured in all but two of Celtic's matches this season, mostly from the start, and Lennon recently spoke of offering the 25-year-old a contract extension.
Samaras said of his manager: "He knows me as a football player and what I can do on and off the pitch.
"So I don't think I need to prove to anyone what I can do."
Samaras added: "Everyone knows last year that we were not so good, but I think this year under Lenny he has tried to change the character and attitude of the team, as well as bringing some players in.
"And every day in training and every game, things are getting better and better."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments