Neil Lennon says he’ll do his best to keep Gary Hooper at Celtic

Neil Lennon and Gary Hooper with the SPL trophy.SNS Group

Celtic manager Neil Lennon feels Gary Hooper is good enough to play in any of Europe’s top leagues, but says he’s confident of keeping the forward at Celtic Park.

Newly-promoted Southampton enquired about the 24-year-old during the January transfer window having worked with Saints manager Nigel Adkins at his previous club Scunthorpe.

Hooper scored all five goals in the SPL champions’ win over Hearts, taking his tally for the season to 29.

Speaking about the Englishman’s talent, Lennon said: "I think he is happy here but I'm sure there are people out there who will pay for his talent.

"He is a goalscorer, they are priceless but we want to keep him here and we will do our very best to do that.

"It was a tremendous individual performance and a great achievement.

"He is a special player. If you look at Nikica Jelavic (former Rangers striker) and what he has achieved since going to Everton there is no reason why Gary Hooper can't do that, in any division, whether that be in the Premier League, or in Spain or Italy.

"He scores big goals in big games, he has a good record against Rangers and he has scored in Europe.

"He is only 24 and has got the world at his feet so we would like to keep him."

Hooper has spoken of his desire to extend his stay in Scotland and described Sunday’s win at Parkhead as the perfect day.

"Scoring five goals and picking the SPL trophy up - you can't ask for much more," he said.

"I thought we were outstanding from start to finish. Finishing top scorer was my aim after winning the league at Kilmarnock. I haven't scored five in a top-class game before but maybe I should have had six.

"I should have scored another in the first half or near the end but Paddy McCourt put too much on the pass.

"My next challenge is to score six goals in one game and score more goals next season, than I did this season.

"And the Champions League is massive in anyone's career. I would love to play in it and score."

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