Lennon still counting on Hooper

NEIL LENNON will continue to utilise the services of Gary Hooper while the future of Celtic’s top striker remains unresolved.

The Englishman returns to the Parkhead squad for the second leg of their Champions League second qualifier against Cliftonville tonight after recovering from a groin strain.

Many Celtic fans, however, may have thought they had seen the last of the former Scunthorpe player.

QPR remain favourites to sign the 25-yearold after tabling a bid reported to have been increased to around the £5 million mark but as yet no agreement has been reached with the Scottish champions.

Ahead of the visit of the Irish part-timers, who trail 3-0 from the first leg in Belfast last week, the Celtic boss was asked for an update on the Hooper situation.

He said: “I have no idea to tell you the truth. But for the time being he is still a Celtic player, he is fit now and a great addition to have for tomorrow night.

“You never say never ( Hooper staying). If things aren’t agreed or go through then he will be here for at least another year.

“I am hoping to speak to him this afternoon. I haven’t had much of a chance to see him in the last week or so.

“I would like to (convince him to stay) but his mind may be elsewhere.

“This has been going on for the last few weeks but I will make it clear that he is welcome here and we want him to stay.”

Hooper returns to the Celtic squad for tonight’s game.

Defenders Charlie Mulgrew and Adam Matthews (both hamstring) and midfielder Joe Ledley (groin) are back training but not ready while defender Virgil Van Dijk will be out for a couple of weeks with a foot injury.

Squad: Forster, Izaguirre, Ambrose, Wilson, Lustig, Brown, Commons, Forrest, Stokes, Kayal, Samaras, Hooper, Zaluska, Balde, Rogic, Irvine, McGeouch, Watt, Waters.

Picture: SNS Group. Gary Hooper in training with his team-mates at Lennoxtown yesterday.