Ramirez: “Three points to keep us riding high”

It’s been a good month for Gaston Ramirez – three goals and two assists – and now Christmas has brought him another Boxing Day goal, after the one he scored for Hull City a few years back.

“It’s not the first time I’ve scored at Christmas – clearly this time of year brings me luck,” smiled the Uruguayan.

“It was a great cross played in from the wing and when you get a ball like that you have to score, even if it was with my right foot.”

“It was a very tough game. Regardless of what people think, Chievo are a good side who don’t deserve to be in the position they’re in.

“I started on the bench today but I was ready when needed. That’s one of the strengths of this team: whether you start or not, we’re ready when called upon.”

Victory takes Samp up to fifth place on 29 points and Ramirez hopes they can keep climbing high.

“There are three points up for grabs in every game and if you keep winning then you climb the table. There are lots of teams bunched up together but we have to exploit this spell of form we’re in.”