Odds have been slashed on Celtic forward Gary Hooper arriving in the Premier League this summer as Chris Hughton and his Norwich team close in. It was thought that Harry Redknapp was keen to smuggle the goal-getter into Loftus Road to aid QPR back to the Premier League, but with Carrow Road offering him an instant topflight home it looks as though the 25-year-old will finally get his shot at the big time.
But who is he, and why is he commanding a fee of £8m?
Hooper was snapped up by Southend when he was gobbling goals with non-league Grays. However, after just four goals in 44 games for the club and numerous loan deals, Hooper jumped ship to Scunthorpe United. His 50 goals in 95 games earned him hero status at the Iron, with his speed, composure and off-field happenings contributing to this.
A move to the top of Scottish football with Celtic followed and it is here where he was caused a stir regarding his signature. 82 goals in 138 for the SPL champions saw fans call for an England call up, and now that he has the chance, reportedly, to push on and prove himself in ‘the greatest league in the world’.
Here’s a clip of the wee striker in action.