Striker set for quick return

Gary Hooper could make his competitive debut for Norwich at home to Everton on Saturday.

The former Celtic striker was stretchered off during Saturday’s friendly against Panathinaikos amid fears that he was facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Norwich are hoping that Hooper and Ricky van Woolfswinklel can find the goals that were missing with Chris Hughton relieved that the former Celtic man won’t be missing long term.

“Both the X-ray and the scan are fine and confirm there is no fracture or any other problem which might indicate a long-term injury,” the Norwich boss explained.

“There is still some bruising Gary suffered from the knock and he will continue to be monitored and assessed over the days ahead.”

While Hooper may miss out on the start of the Premiership it’s going to be a massive weekend for two former Celtic centre half’s in the management business.

Malky Mackay and Davie Moyes both had similar Celtic playing careers before heading south to carve out a reputation in the game.

While Mackay became something of a Championship expert at Norwich City, West Ham and Watford Moyes spent the bulk of his career at outposts such as Cambridge City, Shrewsbury and Bristol City before getting a coaching role with Preston North End.

That eventually led to the Deepdale management job before being called to rescue Everton from the disastrous Walter Smith regime. After saving the club from relegation Moyes spent over a decade at Everton before replacing Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

After a difficult pre-season dominated by the Wayne Rooney saga Moyes gets down the business of defending the Premiership title at Swansea on Saturday.

Over at Upton Park Mackay will lead Cardiff City out for their first top flight fixture in 50 years after last season’s run away Championship success.

Just four years after taking charge of Watford the bhoy from Baillieston finds himself mixing it in the Premiership alongside three other former Celts- Moyes, Paul Lambert and Paolo di Canio.

Swansea’s success has raised the bar for Welsh football with Mackay taking inspiration from the success of last season’s promoted sides.

“I look at the three teams who came up last time and two of them stayed there,” the Cardiff boss explained. “Both West Ham and Southampton strengthened, as we have, and we still have business to do.

“If they can do it, I don’t see why we can’t. For this club to be still in the Premier League a year from now would be massive.”