Celtic fans will see a better version of Scott McDonald when Gary Hooper arrives from Scunthorpe, according to his Iron team-mate Michael O'Connor.
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. O'Connor said 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.
"He is one of the best players I have played with, he is different class," the Northern Ireland international said. "If he goes to Celtic I will put a few quid on him to be top scorer in Scotland next season."
He added: "I think he will get 25 to 30 goals up there.
"He scored 19 or 20 in the Championship last season even though he missed out on around 16 games.
"Rob Jones, who used to play for Hibs, thinks along the same lines.
"Hoops is small, stocky, strong, quick off the mark and has a great strike.
"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."
Midfielder O'Connor added: "Hoops knows I am a Celtic fan and he asked me towards the end of the season about the club.
"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. 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."
Source: PA
