Neil Lennon has revealed that Gary Hooper wasn’t far away from playing at Ibrox yesterday.
The former Scunthorpe striker watched the derby action amongst the Celtic supporters yesterday after picking up an ankle injury against Kilmarnock on December 21.
Initial reports suggested that Hooper would be missing for six weeks but it now looks like the club’s top scorer could be back in half that time.
Explaining the absence of Freddie Ljungberg Lennon revealed: “As luck would have it Freddie came down with a virus on Friday, we checked him out on Saturday and there was absolutely no chance of him taking any part.
“So hopefully we’ll have him and we’ll have Brown back for the next few games, Hooper was not far away but you always look to strengthen from a position of strength- hopefully we can.”
[poll id= “19”]
Make three votes for yesterday’s man-of-the-match
Winning at Ibrox with an understrength side gave Lennon lots of satisfaction and some breathing space in the transfer window.
The need to bring in new faces is less pressing with a number of players coming of age during the win over Rangers.
Catching the eye of his manager was Thomas Rogne making his seventh consecutive appearance.
The 20-year-old showed the composure of a veteran to come through the match and made a big impression on his gaffer.
Lennon admitted: “Rogne’s positioning was excellent when the ball was in wide areas, he kept Miller very quiet and that’s not an easy thing to do this season.
“He’s a young man whose had horrendous injury problems but we feel that he has a good future if he can stay fot and get a run of games.
“Alongside Daniel Majstorovic he was very resolute.”
Artur Boruc at his best
Substitute Jos Hooiveld added his own praise for Rogne on his twitter account saying: “What a game boys!! Thomas Rogne was on fire! MOTM for me, and what an effort from big Sam. Different class!!”
Twitter aftermath to Celtic win
Follow Video Celts on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
Totally agree about Thomas Rogne…class act for such an inexperienced lad….
Once again , however, the biased Scottish “Meeja”…..were able to concentrate on Ness ( who had a good game in fairness to the boy)and thus paid only a fleeting tribute to Rogne……
Still….we should be used to it by now….
Also, although probably not MOTM, Mulgrew also was much stronger than I was expecting! Good for him! I had almost forgot he was on the team!