Hooper continues comeback for Bhoys

Celtic striker Gary Hooper continued his comeback from injury by netting in a closed-doors game against Motherwell today.

Hooper has yet to play in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League after tearing a calf muscle during a pre-season friendly against Blackburn.

But the 22-year-old returned to training last week and stepped up his recovery by playing in a 6-1 victory over a Motherwell XI at Lennoxtown.

The £2m summer signing from Scunthorpe will now push Neil Lennon for a place in the squad for Sunday‘s SPL clash at Kilmarnock.

Niall McGinn also returned to match action following a lengthy lay-off from a broken metatarsal, an injury he suffered during the club‘s final training session of last season.

Coach Danny McGrain said: “It was a great run-out for some of the fringe players like Charlie Mulgrew, Mark Wilson and Marc Crosas, who all did well.

“Niall McGinn lasted an hour and was very tired but he’s been out a while and it won’t do him any harm.

“We have a game next week and he will play in that too. He could train all week but it’s just games he needs now.

“Gary Hooper did well too. He was a bit tired and sore but he got 90 minutes under his belt, which was great.”