Hooper has high hopes for Celtic

SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE: GARY HOOPER believes Celtic will score four goals to turn around their Champions League clash against…

SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE:GARY HOOPER believes Celtic will score four goals to turn around their Champions League clash against Sporting Braga if they get off to a good start.

The forward watched from the sidelines as Celtic fell to a 3-0 defeat in Portugal last week, on the day after he completed his move from Scunthorpe. The 22-year-old does not feel the scoreline reflected the play and he is convinced Celtic can put the Portuguese side under pressure in the second leg of the Champions League third qualifying round tomorrow night.

“We’ve been talking about it,” Hooper said. “There was nothing in it really other than set-plays and it wasn’t a penalty. I think we’ve got every chance of getting through. If we attack them and press really high, I think we’ll have no problem. If we get one we’ll get a few and win 4-0, I reckon. I don’t think they were the best at home. We have to get the ball off them quickly, press them high and get them on the back foot and take our chances.”

Stuart Baxter has revealed his role as consultant to Celtic is to be a casual arrangement at the behest of his employers, the Finnish FA. Lennon confirmed at the weekend the man who has managed Finland, South Africa and a host of clubs had agreed to accept the advisory role.