Hooper eyes Gers hat-trick

Hooper: Hopes for more goals

Celtic striker Gary Hooper is hoping to make it three games in succession that he has scored against Rangers.

The 23-year-old Hoops ace has enjoyed a good run against his side's Old Firm rivals in his first campaign in Scotland.

Hooper scored in the 3-1 defeat by the Light Blues last October and netted a fine brace in the recent 3-0 home win over the Gers.

It was a result which put Celtic in the driving seat in the SPL but Sunday's defeat at Motherwell ensures that the title race could yet go right to the wire.

Neil Lennon's men must turn their focus to Scottish Cup action on Wednesday night when they host the Gers in a fifth-round replay, and Hooper is looking to continue his hot streak at Parkhead.

"You've got to aim to score in every game," he said.

"But the main thing is getting the result and picking up the performance from the other day at Motherwell.

"It was a bad day at the office, a bad performance and nothing went for us but there are no excuses. It's gone now and we have an important game tomorrow.

"You can't win every game. But we have to make it up to the fans and we have to start again with an unbeaten run."

It will be a weakened Celtic side as Fraser Forster and Joe Ledley are suspended for the Bhoys so Polish No.2 Lukasz Zaluska will take over in goal.

Midfielder Beram Kayal returns from suspension and right-back Mark Wilson is in contention despite picking up an ankle knock in the 2-0 defeat at Fir Park.

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