CELTIC star Georgios Samaras has admitted thick Scots accents in the east end of Glasgow left him thinking locals didn't speak English.

The 24-year-old has been in Glasgow for nearly two years after signing for the Parkhead club in 2008.

The Greek has settled in at Celtic but has had less success finding his feet off the park after trying to tackle the local lingo.

Despite the targetman being fluent in English, Georgios claimed listening to Glaswegian patter was like hearing a 'different language'.

However the Greek internationalist said he gradually managed to get to grips with the Glesga banter and revealed he has developed a Scottish accent.

He said: "Outside football, things are really good as well because I have a lot of friends and for me, as a player who is away from his family, his country and his friends, it can be more difficult to settle and adapt in a city.

"But my friends, the Scottish people, the whole community both inside and outside of football, they give me warmth and support and help me work hard.

"The accent was really difficult to understand.

"People were talking so fast and I was like, 'Okay, what's going on here? I know English, but this is different!'

"But my friends have told me that I'm getting a Scottish accent now as well, so I must be getting used to it.

"That's a good sign because I think you have to be part of the community.

"When you come to a new country and cannot understand people or don't respect the traditions of the country, you won't settle.

"I am really happy in Glasgow."

The striker's confession comes just weeks after a translation company advertised for Glaswegian translators to help bamboozled tourists.

Up to five Glaswegian experts are being recruited by Today Translations to work as linguists.

Successful applicants will be expected to meet with foreign delegations visiting the city and act as a 'Weegie' expert.