Brendan Rodgers has been told to look at re-signing Gary Hooper after the Englishman showed his finishing skills at the Masters Football on Saturday evening. Hooper’s teammate at Celtic and for the Celtic Legends team, Kelvin Wilson, has said that the Scottish Champions should consider the free agent.
As reported by The Sun, Wilson has said that Rodgers could do a lot worse than looking at the 35-year-old, who is unattached after leaving Gulf United in March.
“I know you look at Celtic, and the players they can bring in, but I wouldn’t be surprised with Gary.
“Hoops could be a back-up player there and still score many goals for Celtic. I don’t understand why anyone would question it. That’s my opinion.
“Gary knows the club inside out and the fans absolutely love him. It’s a no-brainer for me. He wouldn’t cost them anything, so yes! For sure he’d take that opportunity, he’d snatch your hand off for it.”
Hooper’s most prolific spell occurred when he scored 82 goals in 138 games for Celtic between 2010 and 2013 before leaving to sign for Norwich City, where he went on to make 34 appearances in the Premier League.
It is unlikely that Celtic would consider moving for Hooper, not to mention that the player’s performance was in a six-a-side indoor competition. Brendan Rodgers has said that he doesn’t wish to be overly nostalgic about coming back to the club and bringing Hooper back would be a nostalgic decision as opposed to be a footballing decision.
@CelticFC the message is clear. pic.twitter.com/FoQbGoC9kx
— Kaiden (@kaid3n88) September 9, 2023
However, it was nice to see Hooper and Co back playing for Celtic but their place is in the past of Celtic and not the future.
Hooper has an enviable record as a proven and prolific goal scorer having scored over 200 goals in some of the toughest leagues in the world, including scoring twice in the UEFA Champions League. In recent seasons, he has found himself in New Zealand, India, Cyprus and the UAE.
He is the first and only player ever to have scored in the Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two, FA Cup, League Cup, Football League Trophy, FA Trophy, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup and the Scottish Premier League.
Gary Hooper was a man obsessed with scoring and was a great player, but like many others, chose mediocrity over the biggest club In the world and legendary status. Ken pic.twitter.com/spLAdKRBYb
— Ken 🍀 (@Selickpark) September 10, 2023
