Celtic striker Gary Hooper has revealed his frustration at being overlooked for international duty with England.
Striker backs claims for England call-up
Celtic striker Gary Hooper has revealed his frustration at being overlooked for international duty with England.
Hooper has yet to win a call-up to the senior squad despite scoring 51 goals for Celtic in two seasons since his arrival from Scunthorpe.
The closest Hooper came to international recognition was when he was called up to the Under 21s by Stuart Pearce, but was then forced to pull out through injury.
Hooper admits it is hard to catch the eye of the England coaching staff playing in Scotland, but he is ready to wait for his opportunity.
"Down here in England people actually think that I am Scottish," Hooper told
The Sun.
"I must admit it's very frustrating not to be considered for England. In the last four years I've scored 101 goals but I have not had a look-in.
"Of the 51 goals I have scored for Celtic, 50 of them have been scored inside the box so I think this shows I am a poacher.
"Stuart Pearce picked me for one Under 21s squad but I got injured and that was it.
Getting noticed
"But it is difficult to get noticed for England playing in Scotland. Fraser Forster has had 25 clean sheets this season. It proves he is a quality English goalkeeper. But he hasn't been picked.
"But I have to be patient and I am happy at Celtic. I will play in the Champions League, which I am looking forward to.
"I have two years on my contract and we are in talks about a new one."
