Neil Lennon has signed up Gary Hooper to his Omonoia FC team in Cyprus, reuniting a productive and successful partnership that delivered success for Celtic.
Lennon signed Hooper during his first reign as Bhoys boss with the striker netting an impressive 82 goals in just 138 appearances, including important efforts in derbies against Rangers and in Europe.
The striker eventually made the move to England and Norwich City, but not before becoming a well-regarded hero of the Celtic support. Now he’s about to help Lennon’s UEFA Europa League bid.
The Englishman has signed on a one-year contract, having most recently featured for Wellington Phoenix in the A-League.
The Cypriot side have some massive matches ahead after drawing Sherriff Tiraspol, Real Sociedad and Manchester United in the group stages of the Europa League.
No doubt that was part of the attraction for Hooper, who was a stand-out for Lennon and clearly values the manager’s approach.
He’s not the only former Celtic star that Lennon has managed to attract to the club with defender Adam Matthews already arriving this summer.
Lennon’s side did excellently to overcome Gent in European qualifying but his domestic season is only just beginning, with a match against AEK Larnaca coming tomorrow after an opening league defeat to Akritas Chlorakas last weekend.
The best of luck to Gary, Adam and Neil for the coming campaign!
In other news, “It’s really good up there”; Liam Shaw speaks after sealing Celtic loan exit to England.
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