Hooper not casting eyes south

GARY HOOPER yesterday rejected the notion that Celtic’s current travails had him thinking of seeking pastures new. The 23-year-old striker wants to play in England, certainly, but at London 2012 rather than in Newcastle in 2012. Essex-born Hooper has been linked with a move to St James’s Park but, asked if he had thoughts of returning south, he said: “I’m happy up here, settled, have a house here, so I’m alright. I’m focusing on winning every game here and going from there.”

One good turn for Hooper from across the Border would be from Stuart Pearce, coach of the Team GB football side for the Olympics and the man who selected the Celtic forward for the England under-21s six months ago.

“It would be nice to play,” said Hooper. “It’s a big stage and all the family would be there. The event is massive.”

Hooper is learning that any dip in form, both on a personal and team level, is treated like a massive event by those of a Celtic disposition. He can’t put his finger on why the season for Neil Lennon’s side has taken such a tortuous route. The stop-start nature of his campaign because of ankle problems might be one reason.

It is now five appearances and more than a month since Hooper scored for the club but he said: “I’ve got to just keep going and take my chances. The main thing is just winning games.

“I’ve got to go for it, get on the scoresheet and keep going. I don’t think there is any pressure.

“You feel your way back, but in training I’ve been doing a lot of fitness and a lot of balance, and it’s been going well.”