Hooper at his heart-breaking best

Without doubt Gary Hooper likes nothing better than lining up against Hearts.

The sight of Andy Webster and co seems to bring out the best in the Celtic striker who has scored 12 goals against the Gorgie side in 10 appearances.

In the final game of last season he notched an SPL record of five in one match and Celtic collected the SPL trophy and netted at Tynecastle earlier this season.

It took the striker just 90 seconds to put Celtic in front yesterday when he slid into the six yard box to convert a pass from Adam Matthews before finishing the game off in the 85th minute with a typical opportunist strike past Jamie McDonald.

After going two goals down after 15 minutes Hearts would probably have accepted a 4-1 defeat with Neil Lennon delighted with the way his side returned from the winter break.

“I thought we were great today,” the hoops boss said. “From more or less start to finish that’s the way I’d like us to play, particularly at home.

“We lost our way for ten minutes, but overall I’m delighted with the quality of the play and the performance. My only criticism is I’d like us to put away teams earlier.

“Some of the football we played in the first half was the best we’ve played for a long time and I think we’ve entertained the fans as well today.”

Hooper’s performance captured the headlines but the man-of-the-match award was a close run thing between Adam Matthews and Victor Wanyama.

For less than £1m the two players were brought to the club 18 months ago with their current value anyone’s guess.

CLICK HERE  Gary Hooper v Jordan Rhodes

Follow Video Celts on Twitter and Facebook

Exit mobile version