Wellington Phoenix signs former Celtic striker

The search for an import striker has come to an end: Gary Hooper, former Celtic and Premier League player has signed for the New Zealand A-League side. After suffering with lack of proper quality finishing at their first game, the Nix now promisses to have a striker with high experience and proven goalscoring records.

The 31-year old striker has scored 63 goals in 95 matches for the giant Scottish club and also adds experience at the English top tier with Norwich City, where he played 34 Premier League games. His last club was the Championship side Sheffield Wednesday where Hooper scored 30 times in 82 competitive games.

The search for a new striker has started since the Johnny Warren Medalist Roy Krishna left the club and decided to sign for the Indian club ATK. Phoenix signed some forwards for the season, as the English David Ball – that seemed to be Krishna’s replacement – and the ISPS Handa Premiership golden boot Callum McCowatt, but none of them were a classical number 9 with proven goalscoring records in high level leagues.

Hooper already played in the highest level of the game – UEFA Champions League and English Premier League – and also scored goals there. A big hope for Wellington Phoenix is really up to the what Hooper can bring to the team.

The Englishman will not feature in the next Wellington Phoenix match against Sydney FC next Sunday 20th October, but he is expected to debut against Perth Glory at Westpac Stadium. Hooper will wear the 88 number.