Celtic sign Samaras, Mizuno

Celtic have completed the signings of Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras and Japanese midfielder Koki Mizuno. The Japanese international joins on a four year deal, whilst Samaras joins Celtic on loan with a view to a permanent deal.

Samaras is eager to be involved for his country at Euro 2008, where Greece will defend their title.

The 6ft 4in frontman was a £6million signing from Heerenveen in 2006 but has failed to make the impact expected of him in England.

Coach Tommy Burns said: “Georgios Samaras has joined us and he will go straight into the squad for tomorrow. That’s a good signing for the supporters.

“I think Mizuno will be joining us at the end of the week. He’s a good footballer, similar to Nakamura in some ways, and he also has a bit of pace about him, which is a good combination.

“We’ve got a good squad of players, but the manager is always looking to freshen things up. He’ll know who his key players are and maybe he thinks just now that he has to add more key players, as opposed to just squad players.

“He might look to be adding core players – guys who will be on the team-lines most weeks. There is now an opportunity for the new boys to come in and show what they can do.”