CELTIC have secured the signing of Gary Hooper from Championship outfit Scunthorpe United for �2.5million.

Previously a reported target of Ipswich, the former Iron striker has expressed his delight at joining the Glasgow club: “Celtic is a massive club and when I knew they were interested they were the only club I wanted to come to.”

The 22-year-old met up with his new team-mates this morning before the squad flew to Portugal for their upcoming Champions League tie against Braga.

Manager Neil Lennon said: “I don’t know about playing but he will be in the squad.

“I was pleased to get him, he has been on our radar for quite a while. I think we have a good player on our hands; his record is very good. It’s not just goals, he can play a little bit as well and there were a lot of clubs after his signature.”

The new striker is looking forward to his trip: “I’m a little bit nervous, it’s the first time I’ve travelled abroad for a game,” he said. “But I am looking forward to it and ready to meet my team-mates.”