Hooper 'likely' to leave, says Bhoys assistant manager as QPR table improved bid

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling on Twitter

Gary Hooper looks set to leave Celtic, according to Celtic coach Johan Mjallby- with QPR last night making an improved offer of £5.5m for the striker.

Mjallby told Sky Sports this morning that he expects him to leave.

He said: "It looks likely that Gary Hooper will leave the club but the final word has not been said, so we will see."

"A bid came in last night, but I don't know how the club have responded to it. It's an increased bid but I don't know if it's good enough- that's something you'd have to ask the manager, chief executive and board."

Mjallby also confirmed that the 25 year old did not travel to Belfast for Wednesday's Champions League qualifier against Cliftonville, saying: "He's been carrying a groin strain so he's not fit."

Neil Lennon's No 2 did not, however, include Hooper in his list when quizzed about the club's injury list ahead of Wednesday night's clash in Belfast, saying: "We have a few injuries- Adam Matthews, Charlie Mulgrew, Joe Ledley and Virgil. The good thing is they're probably back in the next two weeks."