Source: FOOTYMAD
The season is not over yet
Disappointment yesterday but still a chance to thank the fans with a prize next Saturday Gary Hooper is keen to win the Scottish Cup next week to repay the club's fans for their backing this season. The support were in full and loud voice before, during and after Sunday's 4-0 home win over next week's cup final opponents Motherwell. This backing was still there despite the news coming from Rugby Park as Rangers' 5-1 win over Kilmarnock meant there was nothing Celtic could do to win the title. Next week's game at Hampden offers Neil Lennon's side the chance to win silverware this silverware. The former Scunthorpe striker said: "We owe the cup to everyone who has supported the players, like the staff, but mainly the fans because they have been there all the way. The fans have been brilliant. They were amazing, especially after the final whistle when we were walking around the pitch. The gaffer said that if fans were like that when they lost the title, then imagine what they would be like if we won it. It was disappointing to lose the title. Even though we had a good performance, they (Rangers) got the result and they are champions. There was one point in it, but it's gone now. We have to look at next week and hopefully bring the cup back." Asked if he thought Celtic should have won the SPL title, Hooper replied: "I do, yes. We played really well all season but it wasn't meant to be. It was in our hands, really, and we let it go. Maybe it was a little bit of inexperience but we have to get on with it. I don't think anything has to change. We will be stronger next season. I think we just have to see games out." Hooper, who scored his 20th SPL goal of the season during the game, warned off interested clubs by saying: "I am not going anywhere," and was glad to hear that Lennon was also keen to stay and have another go at the title next season. The Hoops manager has had a troubled first full season in charge of the Parkhead side, being targeted by death threats and parcel bombs and he was attacked by a fan during the 3-0 win over Hearts at Tynecastle on Wednesday. The Northern Irishman showed his intent when addressing the fans after the game when he said: "This isn't the end - this is the beginning". Hooper said: "I was very pleased he said that. He brought me in and gave me the chance and the fans love him. He gets us playing football and winning games and we need that for next season."
