Matthews: Gary's a happy Hoop

Celtic defender Adam Matthews is convinced Gary Hooper is happy to stay at the club beyond January.

Last Updated: 21/01/13 at 17:02 Post Comment   

Gary Hooper: Happy at Celtic, claims Matthews

Gary Hooper: Happy at Celtic, claims Matthews

Hooper has been linked with a move to Norwich in the transfer window but Matthews insists the striker is only focused on next month's UEFA Champions League knockout clash with Juventus.

"We don't want to sell him, he's enjoying it here and I think he wants to stay," Matthews told the Daily Record.

"Everyone is looking forward to Juventus, it's a massive game.

"Gary himself is looking forward to it, so as far as I know he's happy to stay and I'm hoping that is the case."

Victor Wanyama is also a target for Premier League clubs but Matthews believes the team spirit at Celtic Park could see them stay.

"Gary and Victor are massive players and we don't want them to leave but, as far as I know, they are both really happy to stay here," he added.

"Everyone gets on well here and we want to keep the squad together. We have gelled really well as a team this season and we have shown that in our games.

"We have played more games than anyone else in the league and we're still in all four of the competitions we started in.

"That shows how much of a team we are. If we can keep hold of those two it will make us even better and that is what we are hoping to do."

Publicity

Asked about the reported £5million offer from Norwich, Matthews said: "In the current market, Gary is worth way more than that.

"He showed against Hearts with the goals he scored that all of the talk isn't going to affect him and he just has to keep it going.

"It's good publicity he's getting but as I said I'm sure he's happy to stay.

"When he first came to the club he was seen as just a goalscorer. But, especially this season, he's progressed his game to far more than that as he drops into pockets and gets us playing.

"He's quality as a player and quality as a goalscorer, so when you get someone like him in the box, you are going to get goals.

"He is very down-to-earth and very relaxed. I get on well with him and he's just one of the lads."

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