GEORGIOS Samaras has learned many things since he came to England; not least the importance of the FA Cup.
One of the Greece international's first sights of his new club after signing from Heerenveen was the Blues' fourth-round win over Wigan Athletic last January.
And he opened his goal account in the famous old competition a few weeks later when City defeated Aston Villa in a fifth-round replay.
The buzz created by last spring's run to the FA Cup quarter-finals is still fresh in the mind of the 21-year-old, who hit scoring form with two goals against Everton on New Year's Day - his first in 16 matches.
He can't wait for the adrenalin rush that accompanies FA Cup ties and is hoping Stuart Pearce's side can go further than the last eight this time.
"Going out at the stage we did last year was a big disappointment for us," Samaras said. "The competition has an incredible excitement about it, and we want to do even better this time around.
"What happened last year - when we lost to West Ham and then our form dipped - has made us even hungrier for success.
"Confidence wise, things couldn't be better for going to Sheffield. Three wins out of three over the holidays was one of the best records in the Premiership and has lifted everyone at the club.
Motivation
Samaras was left out of the starting line up for three games prior to the win over Everton, but insists he did not let that affect his motivation or self-confidence.
"It was not a problem because I have been working hard and training well and I knew I would be ready when the manager and my team needed me," said the Greek, who is the second most expensive purchase in City history, trailing only Nicolas Anelka.
"I hope and think better things will come from me in the coming weeks and months. It has been a big learning experience for me in the Premiership.
"I know I have to make my presence felt in the penalty area more.
"Despite being in and out of the side over the past few months, I have never lost confidence in my ability to succeed at City. I have a very positive outlook on life in general and of my game.
"I am enjoying my football and everything here in Manchester."
No one was happier to see a return to scoring form for Samaras than boss Pearce, who has never lost faith in the player he bought for é5.5m in the last January window.
"Every player at any given football club has to impress fans, chairman, board, and manager every time they go out," said the manager.
"Georgios had been on the bench in the games leading up to New Year's Day, but set up a goal at Sheffield United and then got two against Everton and has shown character.
"You have to remember that he is still a young boy learning his trade in the harshest spotlight that there is in the game."
Would you start with Samaras against Sheffield Wednesday? Have your say.
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Sam Harris dreaming of a cup run? I've had that dream for the last twenty five years without it happening! Yes I would play him at Sheff Wed without a doubt.
I'd start him with Vassell and have either Etuhu or Sturridge on the bench!!!!
When we came to play Watford this season, I said the same as I'm going to say now. City never win games they should win, especially games that if they do win, could really boost our season. We, as fans, are eternally disappointed. I really hope I'm wrong and I'll be there to cheer them on. Keep the faith and I'm sure the lads and SP will come through for us.
I think Samaras and Vass can play well together. Vass likes to play right onthe shoulder of defenders which allows Samaras to drop deep and link play. And above all, they are both more mobile than Corradi or Dickov. We will need to be physical in the midfield so I think Richards should partner Dabo in the centre with Onuha at right back. Another trick could be to use the 3-5-2. The formation is rarely used in the lower leagues and it might throw their players a bit. Trabelsi would be perfect as a wingback, but not too sure about Jordan or Thatcher.
I was impressed with the lads attitude against Everton, after suffering from getting loads of stick from some city fans he came back with in a 'I'll show you lot'' mood. I've just read the Goats biography and the similarities between Gorgeous George and the Goats experiences are noticable, in the Goats book he says to win the City fans over he had to copy Paul Dickovs style a bit more i.e. getting stuck in and chasing defenders down, I feel that would also help Samaras's cause. On Sunday he started throwing his weight around a bit more and scored a typical 'Goat' goal, a near post tap in, if you get the chance to watch a replay of the goal do so. I liked the way after playing an overhit pass out to Beasley he didn't stop to watch what happened he made a bee line for the goal and outstripped a couple of defenders to get there, typical goal poachers strike. I really hope Georgious wins us all over, we need another 'Goat'.
And SP and Wigley please note, that goal was made by a winger getting to the byline with pace and knocking the ball back across goal, we need to get behind the back of teams more and the goals will come.
It won't be Etuhu on the bench. He's just gone to Rochdale on loan. Give Sturridge a chance with Samaras (instead of "Cart-horse Corradi") with Vass on the bench ready to come on at half time if it's all going wrong!
On the subject of etuhu's loan move to rochdale... i think its a fantastic move for the lad. He's at the stage now (18 yrs old) where ideally, you'd like him to be playing regular competitive football. Ok, he's been in the reserves, but it doesn't have the same competitive edge as playing in the football league has. i feel it was always going to be unlikely for him to break into city's 1st team this season, especially with sturridge ahead of him and not to mention that we will probably buy another striker in this transfer window. i wish him luck.
The worst thing that can happend is dissapointment!!! Come On City!!! Give us a cup run!!
Sam Harris Ã...iÃ...!!
Sam Harris Ã...iÃ...!!
On Sunday I'll settle for a performance like on our last visit to Hillsbrough, the Ali, Eyal, Wanchope and Goater inspired 6-2 win. God, those were the days.. that Keegan team might not have had much defensively but boy could they entertain.
What is everyones view on Collins John? I thought he looked sharp when he came on for Fulham at Eastlands. Only 21 and could be afforable. Thoughts anyone?
When I first read this I thought 'soundbites, soundbites, soundbites' The Greek is learning from SP very quickly....but at least he acknowledges he has to put himself about more in the penalty box and now we will judge if he is true to his word.... I'm sure he can be a good player but in most of the games he has played he has failed to turn up and this is absolutely unacceptable! We still need to bring in one very good striker (if possible) and another as backup.
Just listened to a Sky interview with SP talking about always fielding his strongest team. Guess that means no start for Sturridge (Bench maybe?). Let's hope it's Vass alongside Sammy up front then!
There is a light, yes, but in the mickey mouse championship only.
Jury still out for me. Having said that his goal against Everton was as good a centre-forwards goal as you will see. But he's still young, we have time on our side and with the right coaching and encouragement from within and from the fans who knows. He has got to show it more often than once every 12 games though. Keep at it Georgios!
He's dreaming of a cup run, is he? I'm dreaming of winning the wretched thing but I can't see that happening.
So Samaras dreams of a cup run, does he? A special prize to the journalist who wrote this for stating the blXXding obvious!
If Geogios Samaras concentrates 100% on the game, gives 100% effort and not hide for parts of a game then we have a very good chance of winning some games.
Come on Geogios you can do it!
FG, Sat down at home. Maybe you should give Sam a copy of the Goat's book.
FG, sat at home.....I had the privelage to be amongst those that were at a recent question/answer session with the mighty "Goat" last month (which if no-one has seen yet is currently being shown on Channel M, who were there filming it) the man is a true legend, lives City even now, and is the first guest I have ever seen start a chorus of Blue Moon before the fans. If Georgie becomes half the player and man the Goat was, he will be one hell of a fans favorite and well on his way to "legend" status himself.
would anyone like to see mat erthington from west ham here to play left side as west ham just signed boa morte any comments think we could get him for 1 million
Mystic Mike, I've been thinkning the same thing, didn't realise until the transfer window opened that he is only 21. He does look fast and sharpe, has always scored well against us...Think he maybe a good buy if we could get him for the right money...IE £2.50
Yeah I think Collis John could be useful, quick, scores goals. His big problem is he spends half the match offside.
Four in a row with a win against Wednesday, and I will start to believe that the team has turned a corner...
However, it takes more than one good game from Samaras to convince me that he has finally settled in...
Defeat at Hillsborough, and everything looks all too familiar..
I thoroughly expect Big sam to have a shocker. Wednesday will give him a championship style welcome and I reckon this is one greek who doesn't like it up him.
However, he is still on a learning curve and I would far rather see Georgie out there than Dickov
Never mind Collins John, we're getting David Healy from Leeds for 900k according to unreliable sources. If that were to be true it doesn't mean we won't sign another striker. I expect to see Bernard on the plane back to Italy for a similar fee.