Georgios Samaras insists Celtic could not have a tougher set of opponents on their return from European duty than Clydesdale Bank Premier League basement side Falkirk.

The Parkhead men played out a goalless draw with Hamburg at the Nordbank Arena last night and, despite the encouragement they can take from a decent performance, in reality they face a likely Europa League exit before Christmas.

Tony Mowbray's side are bottom of Group C with two points from four games, five points behind second-placed Hamburg.

Consequently, they need to win their two remaining games in December against Hapoel Tel Aviv in Glasgow and Rapid Vienna away, and hope the Bundesliga side lose both their matches.

However, European aspirations will be put aside as the SPL leaders continue their quest to wrest the championship back from Old Firm rivals Rangers at the Falkirk Stadium.

Samaras, who was praised by Mowbray for his performance in Germany, said that, despite their lowly league status, the Bairns will be no pushovers.

"Those are the most difficult games," the Greece striker said.

"You play European games against a top team in the Bundesliga and then play against the bottom team in the SPL.

"So we must prepare our minds to be ready for that game because it will be not be easy.

"We had a good game against them in the Co-operative Insurance Cup when we won 4-0 but this will be totally different and, as I say, we must prepare ourselves mentally and physically because it will not be easy."

Samaras was happy to accept praise from Mowbray but insists he has "more to give" to the Hoops.

He said: "I think I had a good game but I have more to give to my club, my team-mates and my manager as well. "I am never happy with my performance.

"After every game, I go home and try to watch the game again, to see the good points and bad points and try to fix my mistakes.

"I just focus on my football and nothing else.

"When training or games are finished, I go home and I don't listen to anyone, just my girlfriend and team-mates, and I have always done that.

"I am really happy in Glasgow, really happy with the team and happy that I have signed for this club.

"This is my third season and I am really excited about that."

Midfielder Landry N'Guemo, signed on loan from Nancy in the summer, is beginning to find his feet again after a dip in his performances but he is also anticipating a difficult time against Falkirk, despite the two sides being separated by the length of the SPL table.

"All the teams in the SPL are up for it when they play Celtic," he said.

"Falkirk are at the bottom but when teams like them play against Celtic, it is different, they are boosted.

"So we have to be ready and, after the game in Hamburg, we have to make things right by winning."

(reopens) Meanwhile, Celtic fans were today praised for their behaviour in Hamburg last night.

There had been fears of trouble in the German city but a Strathclyde Police spokesperson said: "Following on from the earlier message published by Strathclyde Police to Celtic supporters travelling to Hamburg, both Strathclyde Police and the Hamburg Police were delighted with the behaviour of the supporters of Celtic Football Club.

"There were no significant issues or concerns either within the city of Hamburg or at the stadium."

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: "In the face of a challenging and provocative atmosphere in the stadium, the Celtic support once again demonstrated fantastic positive backing for the club."