GARY HOOPER looks set to leave Celtic. But Celtic great Frank McAvennie says his old club DON’T need to bring in abig-money replacement. Macca says Anthony Stokes and Tony Watt between them can provide the goals that will be absent when Neil Lennon finally loses Hooper. McAvennie hit 37goals in 85games over two spells at Celtic Park. He believes both Stokes and Watt can step up to the Parkhead plate. McAvennie — who’s set to star in amovie about aScotland v England game, to be released next summer — said: “Lenny’s talking about bringing another striker in if Hooper leaves and Ithink he probably has to. “But I’ve always been an admirer of Stokes and Ilike Tony Watt. “He’s abit of athrowback to mykind of centre-forward — aguy who’ll chase things down. Gary won’t chase things but Tony gives adifferent dimension to what they already have. “Iknow there’s been talk of him going out on loan but Ithink they need to keep him. There’s also the aspect that he’s aCeltic fan and Ithink that can makeadifference. “The Hooper situation is just money, isn’t it? “Ithought Celtic did well to get the money they did for Victor Wanyama— that was great business. “Hooper’s going into the last year of his contract and they have to take what they can get for him. “From his point of view, he’s got to look after himself. “I’d like to see him stay at Celtic but he’s going to be tripling his wages and it’s obvious we can’t compete with that in Scotland.” Macca wants the situation to be sorted out now rather than overshadowing Celtic’s Champions League campaign. He said: “It’s dragging on and I’d like to see it sorted one way or another. “Celtic are obviously waiting for more money coming in for him but if teams want you they’re going to come in at the start of the window, not having it go on and on the way it is. “It’s not doing Celtic or the boy any good. “They’ve brought in Amido Balde but I haven’t seen him, although Isaw he scored at Brentford on Saturday. By all accounts they’re still looking for atop striker.” McAvennie says that the pressure is on Celtic to keep Scotland’s Euro reputation intact by qualifying for the Champions League group stages again. He said: “Celtic did wonders for Scottish football last season getting to the last 16.For that reason, Idon’t think they should have had to play against Cliftonville. Ithink that was awee bit insulting. Iknow it’s to do with the country’s co-efficient but Ican see where Lenny was coming from when he complained about it. “Agood European run would be crucial but I feel optimistic about the season in general.” Macca has been invited to play apart in a movie named ‘What’s The Score?’, about a Scotland v England match. Craig Brown plays the part of the Scotland manager in the comedy, due to be released in the build-up to next summer’s World Cup. A raft of former players, including ex-Celt Bobby Petta and former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, have parts in the film and Macca said: “I’ve got aspeaking part and I’ve enjoyed being involved. “Parts of it are being filmed at Hamitlon Accies’ ground which is close to where Ilive. “Ialso helped them bring in some other former players and it looks like being afun project.” HH Ste. Credits to born Celtic for the post
Posted on: Wed, 24 Jul 2013 07:14:25 +0000