Celtic legend advised club against signing of former hero

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Celtic legend Davie Hay has said in his column for the Evening Times that the club should avoid bringing Gary Hooper back to Parkhead this summer.

The former Hoops talisman is to be released by Sheffield Wednesday and The Sun has reported that he could end up back at Celtic.

Hooper’s record during his previous time at the club was mightily impressive. In 138 games he bagged 82 goals and contributed 30 assists.

Hay doesn’t question the striker’s record, but he thinks Celtic should be attracting a better quality of player.

He said in the Evening Times: “He did really well for Celtic first time around and he was a prolific scorer for the team, but I just think it might be a backwards step.

“The top of the park is an area that Celtic definitely have to strengthen in the window, but whoever they do bring in, I would like to think they would be able to attract a better quality of player. No disrespect to Hooper as he did well for the club. I just expect there to be higher targets in the club’s mind.”

Hooper is leaving Hillsborough following 31 goals in 89 appearances.

TBR Verdict

Hay does have a point with these comments. It is almost six years since Hooper last turned out for Celtic and a lot has changed in that time.

For starters, the 31-year-old hasn’t been the prolific striker he once was during his time in England. Okay, he has scored goals but he isn’t getting any younger.

A series of niggling injuries blighted the chances of him scoring even more goals for Wednesday and Celtic should approach with caution.

Hooper might make a useful squad player for Celtic but he definitely shouldn’t be signed as the man to spearhead the Hoops’ European charge next season.