Anthony Stokes has become the latest player to call on Celtic to extend the contract of Gary Hooper.
Striker wants to keep partnership intact
Anthony Stokes has become the latest player to call on Celtic to extend the contract of Gary Hooper.
Southampton have made at least two bids for the striker of around £6million and could tempt Celtic to cash in on their prize asset before the January transfer window closes.
Stokes feels it would be a massive boost for the club if Hooper stayed as they aim to stop Rangers winning a fourth straight title.
The striker said: "It is massive.
"You look at how well he has done since he came here. He has been outstanding.
"He scored at Scunthorpe, he has come here and scored goals for fun and I think he would score goals at any level.
"He's a top class player and I play reasonably well when we play together so I just hope he stays and fingers crossed that we can.
"I can't talk about what the club are going to do but from a personal point of view I would like to think they will do everything they can to hold onto him and I'm sure they will.
"He hasn't said anything to me about it but I get the impression that he is happy here, he is enjoying football.
"All I know he is a top class player, he is very young and he is only going to get better."
Contract
Stokes has also used the opportunity to say he wants to stay at Celtic Park for the foreseeable future.
"I think everybody knows I am happy here," he added
"I am enjoying my football and I love playing for the club so I can't see myself going anywhere in the foreseeable future.
"I still have another year or so left so we will see what happens.
"I would love to sign a new contract but the main focus this season is the league and everyone at the club is focusing on trying to win the league."
