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Friday, 19 July 2013, 01:30

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Lennon happy to keep Hooper

Neil Lennon has praised Celtic's board for resisting numerous offers for Gary Hooper and also confirmed he tried to sign Wolves striker Kevin Doyle before the transfer window closed.

Last Updated: 02/02/13 at 12:53 Post Comment

Gary Hooper: Celtic striker staying after Norwich bids rejected

Gary Hooper: Celtic striker staying after Norwich bids rejected

Hooper was the subject of several bids from Norwich City during January, but the Premier League club failed to persuade the SPL champions to sell.

Lennon had been determined to keep Hooper ahead of this month's Champions League tie against Juventus and is delighted the striker is still at Parkhead.

The Celtic boss told Sky Sports News: "I think we made our stance pretty clear.

"I don't think a lot of people believed us but we want to keep this team together for the foreseeable future.

"Gary is a huge part of that and I'm very grateful to the board for standing by our decision on that.

"We look forward to a great second half to the season now."

Lennon also revealed his interest in signing Doyle, with Wolves confirming an offer for the Republic of Ireland international was rejected shortly before the window closed.

He added: "He is a player we have admired for a long time but Wolves were steadfast, like we've been, so we obviously respect that.

"They feel Kevin is a very important player there and it just wasn't to be."

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