GEORGIOS SAMARAS today saluted Celtic's never- say-die attitude after they maintained their four-point lead at the top of the SPL.

The Parkhead side left it late before a Paul Hartley winner just four minutes from time secured a 2-1 victory over Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park.

It was the SIXTEENTH time in Gordon Strachan's reign that Celtic have scored inside the last five minutes.

But Samaras, who came on as a second-half substitute, reckons the champions deserve great credit for refusing to give up as it looked as though two points were slipping away.

The Greek internationalist said: "I thought we showed a lot of fight and great determination to win the match.

"We continued to push forward and didn't give up. We have scored late goals in the past and I think that is because we don't give up. I don't think you can ever allow yourself to think that it isn't going to be your day. That is not in our mentality.

"I thought it was an excellent goal from Paul to win the game for us. I had an effort saved by their goalkeeper, but we have so many players who are capable of scoring a goal and it was a great feeling for us to get the winning goal.

"It keeps us four points ahead at the top of the table and that is important."

Samaras admits referee Steve Conroy's controversial decision to point to the penalty spot in the 38th minute - and send off Accies defender Martin Canning - was the major turning point in the game.

TV pictures showed Canning's trip on Cillian Sheridan happened outside the penalty area.

And Samaras conceded the home side were causing Celtic big problems until they were forced to play with a man less, Shunsuke Nakamura levelling Richard Offiong's opener from the spot.

He said: "I think it helped us that they had to play with a man less. Sometimes it is difficult to play against 10 men for some reason, but it helped us take control of the game."

Samaras is edging back to fitness after a minor knee op, but wasn't happy with his own contribution after coming off the bench. He says a week of intensive training will make a big difference.

"I don't feel as good as I would like," he said. "I wasn't right mentally during last week and I know I have to work hard to get to the level I want to be at.

"From that point of view, it's good that I don't have a midweek international game because it will allow me to work properly in training and make sure I'm better for our next match.

"But that is the case when you return from an injury. I'm determined to get back to the form I showed before I picked up the injury."