Neil Lennon has hailed Gary Hooper as the 'best striker' he has ever worked with.
The former Celtic star has joined his old boss in Cyprus after penning a deal with Omonia Nicosia. The 34-year-old was handed a run out in the weekend thumping over Paralimni as he begins to build up his match fitness in a move that the Northern Irishman is certain will pay off big time for his new side.
He is joined by some familiar faces in the shape of former Hoops defender Adam Matthews and one-time Rangers and Hibs winger Brandon Barker. Hooper's arrival adds to the list of former SPFL recruits joining the former Easter Road and Bolton gaffer in his new adventure and despite working with numerous strikers over the years, Hooper has always been Lennon's main main.
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletter for more headlines straight to your inbox
READ MORE: Motherwell fans vent Celtic Premier Sports Cup fury with banner protest over kick-off time
He said: “Gary’s the best striker I’ve ever worked with.
“He came in late and still needs a bit of work, but he’ll be good for us.”
Omonia tasted domestic cup success under Lennon in his first few months in charge and with that landed a spot in the Europa League. They superbly knocked out Gent over two legs in the play-off round to land a place in the competition proper.
His side landed a dream draw with Manchester United, Real Sociedad and FC Sheriff and one man Lenny hopes to meet up with is legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Old Trafford hero has been very supportive over the years and has visited the 51-year-old during stints at Celtic and Bolton and always remained in touch.
Now he hopes for a reunion when his side make the trip to face the Red Devils in their European section.
He told the Scottish Sun: “I’ve not had any messages yet from Sir Alex.
“But I’m sure I’ll be in touch with him and get a glass of wine with him at some stage. It would be great to see Sir Alex in Manchester.
“He’s been a huge source of support for me over the years, and I would love to catch up with him. Sir Alex once visited me at the Celtic training ground for a couple of hours on a Sunday morning.
“It was just brilliant to talk football and life with him. For me and for my staff, it was manna from heaven. I picked up a lot of stuff from Sir Alex. Two hours with him is like 20 years with other people.
“He has always been positive towards me. Even after I left Celtic, he came to see me at Bolton and over the years we have stayed in touch."
READ NEXT:
- Michael Stewart in Celtic VAR call as Ange Postecoglou rotation defended with 'strong squad' claim
- Celtic star Mikey Johnston makes instant impact in Vitoria Guimaraes four-goal thriller
- Motherwell fans vent Celtic Premier Sports Cup fury with banner protest over kick-off time
