‘CELTIC MISS HOOPER’S GOALS’ COMMONS
KRIS COMMONS reckons Celtic haven’t been able to replace Gary Hooper.
The prolific marksman was lured to Norwich City in a £5million deal in the summer of 2013 after scoring 82 goals in 138 appearances for the SPFL champions.
And Commons admits a consistent substitute has yet to come close to the striker who cost £2.4million when he arrived from Scunthorpe in July 2010.
The midfielder said: “In the time I have been here, we have found it hard to replace Gary Hooper.
“If all your forward four – your strikers, wingers and No. 10 – can get 10-15 goals apiece you are heading in the right direction.
“It means you don`t have to rely on one striker to get 30-40 goals a season.”
John Guidetti, on loan from Manchester City until the end of the campaign, is the Hoops’ top scorer with 14 goals.
Stefan Scepovic, who cost £2.2million from Sporting Gijon in August, has claimed a mere four from 22 appearances, 15 from the substitutes’ bench.
Commons urged the Parkhead side to make a move for his close friend Hooper at the end of last season.
The 27-year-old attacker claimed only eight goals as the Carrow Road side lost their top-flight status and his Hoops pal thought the time was right to return to Glasgow.
Commons said: “In an ideal world, I would like to get Gary back.
“I had a very strong relationship with him on the park. He is one of the best players I have performed alongside.
“It would be magic to have him in our side again.”
If as seems likely Guidetti takes his career forward elsewhere – probably in Holland – then Celtic may well be tempted to consider re-signing Kris Commons’ best pal.
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