Neil Lennon may have declined to be drawn on whether Gary Hooper is his best signing so far - but the Celtic boss has no doubt that he has unearthed a gem.
The striker was on the scoresheet twice as the Hoops romped to an emphatic 3-0 win over Rangers, before turning provider for Kris Commons to seal the victory at Parkhead to move Celtic eight points clear in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
Asked if Hooper is, pound for pound, his best purchase, Lennon said: "That's a good question. I don't know. I'll let you know at the end of the season."
He added: "He's excellent. He's only 23, let's give the kid a bit of time to see how his career progresses but I think we can all see what a good all-round player he is.
"He has always been a good player. He is a good footballer, has a great first touch.
"His first touch took him away from David Weir, he left him in his wake and it was a wonderful finish. Once he gets in there, you always fancy him to score.
"He made up some ground for the second goal and it was a beautiful goal."
There is also little doubt that the January capture of Commons - also a target of Rangers - was a worthwhile acquisition for Lennon.
The Hoops boss said: "We spent £300,000 on Kris Commons and I think that was a decent bit of business and we are pretty happy with the way things are going so far.
"I'm delighted with his form so far. There is a maturity about him: he's 27 and nothing seems to faze him, we are delighted with his contribution."
Source: PA
