Georgios Samaras saw Barcelona’s stars live up to their billing - but insists Celtic can still qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals.

The on-loan Manchester City striker made his European debut for the Scottish champions off the bench against Barca, when he replaced Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink early in the second half.

Samaras could not prevent the Catalans winning in Glasgow, and admits the result was fair, but he claims Celtic can lift their game in the Nou Camp next month and achieve a rare European away victory.

“It was just great,” he said. “It was one of the best moments of my career with all the people singing. It was amazing and I’m really glad I was part of this moment.

“They play great football, their ball position was great and they didn’t give us a chance to run in the second half.

“I think they deserved to win but we scored two goals and we were unlucky not to take a draw. But they are a big team and I think they were better than us.”

Samaras is now relishing the trip to Barcelona for the second leg on March 4, insisting: “You never know in football. We will go there and enjoy our game and we will play to win. We won’t give up.

“We are not a team who gives up and we won’t be there just to be tourists to see the city.

“We will go there with fight and see what happens.”

Meanwhile, Samaras - who netted on his Hoops debut in the 5-1 Scottish Cup romp at Kilmarnock a couple of weeks ago - is confident he will soon be pushing for a starting berth.

He said: “I just need some games to get my rhythm and fitness and I think I can play every week.

“I want to play every week and prove to people that I’m good enough.

“As for my loan deal, we will see at the end of the season. It’s not up to me whether I stay, it’s up to the club what happens.”