Gary Hooper lands monthly award

Published on 19/02/2013 00:03

Celtic forward Gary Hooper has been named Clydesdale Bank Premier League Player of the Month for January.

Hooper was in great form throughout last month as he helped Celtic to four straight wins in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

He began the month by scoring the only goal as Celtic defeated Motherwell 1-0 at home and he followed this up by scoring twice in a 4-1 win over Hearts, also at Celtic Park.

Hooper’s impressive goalscoring form continued as he scored another two goals as his side recorded a comprehensive 4-0 win over Dundee United and he helped Celtic to their fourth straight home league win of the month with a 4-1 success over Kilmarnock.

It was Hooper’s attacking threat that provided five goals and numerous assists for his side that led the panel to vote him as the Clydesdale Bank Premier League Player of the Month.

Of course, it has not just been in January that Hooper has impressed. The striker – who moved to the Parkhead club from Scunthorpe for a £2.4 million fee in 2010 – has scored 13 SPL goals so far this season, and 23 overall, and was the subject of intense speculation during the recent transfer window.

Celtic are understood to have rejected three bids from Barclays Premier League side Norwich City, whose manager, Chris Hughton, made no secret of his desire to take Hooper to Carrow Road.