Celtic striker keen to become league's top scorer
In-form Celtic striker Gary Hooper says that he has his sights set on catching up with Rangers hitman Kenny Miller in the Scottish Premier League scoring charts.
Scotland international forward Miller has netted 18 times in just 14 SPL games this season, but 22-year-old Hooper is fast catching up after taking his tally to nine in the 1-1 draw with Dundee United on Saturday 20 November.
Hooper has proven to be a big hit with the Celtic supports since making his move from Scunthorpe United over the summer, but is desperate to become the league's top scorer.
He told reporters: "Ever since I arrived at Celtic everyone has been very good to me. Now my target is to catch Kenny Miller and be the top scorer in the league. I've scored nine league goals which is good because I missed games at the start. The fans are
brilliant in every game and if they are behind you, you are going to keep going and scoring."
Hooper added that he believed his time spent in the lower leagues of the English system — at Scunthrope, Southend United and Hereford United (on loan) — had prepared him well in terms of the physical aspect of the game for a move to SPL giants Celtic.
He added: "It is nearly the same in terms of physicality, and I can handle defenders having a kick at me."
Hooper was signed by Hoops manager Neil Lennon for a fee of 2.4 million pounds and made his debut against Olympique Lyon in the friendly Emirates Cup competition and scored in a 2-2 draw against the French club.
In total, the forward has scored 11 goals in 11 games across all competitions, including a hat-trick in the 9-0 demolition of Aberdeen at Celtic Park on Saturday 6 November.
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