Celtic appointing Carlos Carvalhal would surely leave door open for Gary Hooper

Follow us on Google Discover

Carlos Carvalhal is reportedly interested in getting the Celtic job this summer.

Neil Lennon is on course to oversee yet another domestic Treble for Celtic having stepped in when Brendan Rodgers left Parkhead to return to the Premier League.

Nevertheless, his long-term future with the Hoops arguably looks as precarious as it has ever been since his return. Celtic were poor at the weekend. And while they have bigger priorities with a Scottish Cup final coming up, fans would be forgiven for feeling that the defeat has to be looked upon as a warning to the board.

Should Lennon leave in the summer, there may be one player wondering whether his chances of moving to Celtic this summer may be dashed, with The Sun recently reporting that he is keen to bring Gary Hooper back to the club after his release from Sheffield Wednesday.

Hooper would be a popular addition given the success of his first spell, coupled with Celtic’s need to make striker signings this summer and his availability on a free transfer.

But perhaps a return to the Hoops could still be just as likely if the hierarchy decide to let Lennon go and replace him with a manager who is reportedly interested in taking the job.

The Scottish Sun reported this week that Carlos Carvalhal’s representatives made contact with the Celtic board to stake his claim for the job. If Lennon goes, he surely has to be considered as a genuine contender for the role.

And given his links with Sheffield Wednesday, there seems to be every chance that he would be just as interested in signing Hooper if he was appointed.

The 31-year-old scored 29 league goals in two and a half seasons working under the Portuguese at Hillsborough, and they came desperately close to taking the Owls back to the Premier League during their first years at the club.

If Carvalhal is appointed, there may well be some fans who feel a little underwhelmed given his spell with Swansea City and the long list of clubs on his CV. Bringing Hooper back to Celtic may be one way that helps get those supporters on side immediately.

And if Hooper can stay fit, then there appears to be every chance that he could be as inspired a signing for Celtic as he was for much of his spell with Sheffield Wednesday.