Hoops batten down the hatches for Hooper.

An Englishman in the Scottish league who has netted 29 times this season may be the transfer market equivalent of the new Action Man in Toys'R'Us with a lot of excitable young men rushing in to get him. So, like any good, protective soul would, Celtic have prepared themselves for the onslaught by opening contract talks with Gary Hooper.

Manager Neil Lennon told Scottish media company STV that talks are underway to divert interest from south of the border away from the striker who has scored like it's 1999 up in the SPL this year.

Lennon told STVthat Hooper was enjoying his time up in Glasgow and was happy at Celtic Park, but was aware of a potential demand and so, will try his best to fend off the vultures coming in for the 24 year old.

Nigel Adkin's Southampton had been in for Hooper in January but saw two bids rejected and there has been rumour of fresh interest from the newly promoted South-Coast club, after the much-infactuated Adkins managed Hooper at Scunthorpe.

A record of 43 goals in 80 appearances at Scunthorpe can't be ignored however and Adkins is seemingly willing to bring Hooper, who had seen some support for inclusion in the England Euro 2012 squad, to the Premier League.

This has largely come off the form the Essex-born striker has shown in scoring 29 goals in the SPL, which included a five goal demolition job of Hearts on the final day.

Lennon said that preliminary meetings with the player's agent were very cordial, although what flavour drink is unknown and that all offers coming in for the player would be attempted to be resisted.

@AdamGray1250

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