Source: Team_Talk
Hitman Hooper tipped to be top scorer
Celtic fans will see a better version of Scott McDonald when Gary Hooper arrives from Scunthorpe, according to his team-mate Michael O'Connor.[LNB] Many believe that letting the prolific McDonald move to Middlesbrough in the January transfer window was one of Tony Mowbray's biggest mistakes during his ill-fated tenure as Hoops boss.[LNB]Mowbray's successor, Neil Lennon, has set about refurbishing the Celtic squad this summer with some zeal having already signed five new players.[LNB]The Parkhead boss has now revealed that Hooper - appropriately nicknamed Hoops - and Israel midfielder Biram Kayal are next in line, with England goalkeeper David James due in Glasgow for talks on Monday.[LNB]O'Connor claims that Celtic fans were in for a treat should a reported £2million transfer go through for 22-year-old Hooper, who has scored 50 goals in two seasons.[LNB]"He is one of the best players I have played with, he is different class," the Northern Ireland international said.[LNB]"If he goes to Celtic I will put a few quid on him to be top scorer in Scotland next season.[LNB]"I think he will get 25 to 30 goals up there.[LNB]"He scored 19 or 20 in the Championship last season even though he missed out on around 16 games.[LNB]"Rob Jones, who used to play for Hibs, thinks along the same lines.[LNB]"Hoops is small, stocky, strong, quick off the mark and has a great strike.[LNB]"He is the same build as Scott McDonald but he is a better player, he has a better strike on him. He will score more goals than him."[LNB]Midfielder O'Connor added: "Hoops knows I am a Celtic fan and he asked me towards the end of the season about the club.[LNB]"I knew Middlesbrough were interested in him but I said if it was between Celtic and any Championship side then he should go to Celtic.[LNB]"He's a quiet lad but once he gets settled in up there and bonds with the players then he will do fine. It's a great move for him and for Celtic."[LNB]Scunthorpe manager Nigel Adkins admitted Hooper was almost certain to move to Celtic after leaving the striker on the bench during their friendly against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.[LNB]"Obviously I'm aware of the situation that's arising and I didn't want to risk anything," Adkins told his club's website.[LNB]"The fact of the matter is he hasn't signed for anybody yet and as everyone knows, there are a lot of things to be done before he signs a piece of paper.[LNB]"It's fair to say though that a situation has arisen where he will probably end up at another football club."
