Celtic striker Hooper facing six weeks out

SCOTLAND: Celtic striker Gary Hooper could be out for six weeks after suffering ankle ligament damage.

A scan yesterday allayed fears Hooper had suffered a broken fibula during Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock, but ankle ligament damage could keep him out until February.

A statement on Celtic’s website read: “Following an MRI scan, the specialist and the Celtic club doctor confirmed that the player could be out for up to six weeks with a severe ankle strain.”

Hooper, who has netted 11 goals in 13 games since moving from Scunthorpe in a £2 million deal in late July, went off in the 35th minute of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League game after a clash with Killie defender Frazer Wright.

The 22-year-old has already endured a six-week lay-off in his Celtic career after tearing a calf muscle in pre-season against Blackburn.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has urged the club’s other strikers to now step up to the plate.

Lennon said: “It’s an opportunity for other players to come in and show me why they‘re here.

“With (Anthony) Stokes, (Georgios) Samaras and (Daryl) Murphy we can have a bit of variety. They have got to step forward and start taking responsibility for the goals now that Gary is out.”