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According to the Glasgow Evening Times, former Celtic player Davie Hay remains unconvinced about Neil Lennon’s reported plan to bring Gary Hooper back to Parkhead this summer, and he’s got a point.
What’s the word, then?
Well, The Scottish Sun said earlier this week that the Northern Irishman is keen to bring the free agent back north of the border following his release by Sheffield Wednesday – as long as he is handed the job on a permanent basis.
Should the 31-year-old don the hoops for the second time in his career, he would likely be competing with the likes of Leigh Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard for a spot in the starting XI.
Hay doesn’t believe it would be a good move however, writing in the Glasgow Evening Times:
“I am not sure about the notion of Celtic looking to bring back Gary Hooper up front, if reports about Neil Lennon having an interest in the striker are true.
“Now, don’t get me wrong, he did really well for Celtic first time around and he was a prolific scorer for that team, but I think it might be a step backwards.
“The top of the park is an area that Celtic definitely have to strengthen in the window, but whoever they do bring in over the summer, I would like to think they would be able to attract a better quality of player.”
Is he right?
He certainly is.
The 71-year-old knows this is a crucial summer for the Bhoys in terms of getting their managerial appointment and player recruitment right, with a number of loanees and out-of-contract players looking set for the exit door.
Even if Lennon does get the job, Hooper is not the calibre of player the Scottish Premiership champions should be looking to sign.
Controversial. Uncompromising. Leader. C’mon the Hoops’ Keith talks the future of Celtic’s evergreen captain Scott Brown in the video below…
He is ageing, has struggled with injury and has just been let go by an English Championship club.
Celtic need to show ambition if they are to continue to hold off the challenge of Rangers and get back to where they once were in the Champions League, and Hooper isn’t the man to help them do that.
Over to you, Mr Lawwell.
