Report: Neil Lennon wants Gary Hooper back at Celtic

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The Scottish Sun have claimed that Neil Lennon wants Gary Hooper back at Celtic after the Sheffield Wednesday striker confirmed on Twitter that he would be leaving the English club at the end of his contract.

Lennon is still waiting to hear from the Celtic board on whether he will be given the job permanently, after securing Celtic’s eighth successive league title following the departure of Brendan Rodgers.

Hooper retweeted a Celtic fan over the weekend, with the supporter urging him to return to Parkhead. Many Celtic fans have also stated they would love to see their number 88 back in green and white.

Now, it appears Lennon wants to sign the striker again for Celtic, having done so for £2.4million (Scottish Sun) from Scunthorpe United way back in 2010. Hooper went on to amass a huge 82 goals in 138 appearances for Celtic.

But whether Lennon lures the free agent back to Glasgow depends on whether he will be given the job permanently. He has been drawing up a shortlist in case he does get the job, with a big rebuild required.

TBR’s view

Hooper would be excellent cover, but he is some way off the quality of Odsonne Edouard. Under Lennon, Hooper starred for Celtic and was crucial in the first two league wins of eight in a row.

Leigh Griffiths remains on the sidelines though it is believed he is putting in the work to return. More question marks surround the signing of Vakoun Issouf Bayo.

Cover for Edouard is crucial, someone Lennon can trust. Hooper is that man and on a free transfer at just 31 years of age, he would be a good addition for a couple of seasons.