What's Hooper Worth?

Not unlike Hereford United, Scunthorpe United have a reputation for developing young players. In their case young strikers seem to be their forte with Gary Hooper the latest to benefit from joining the club.

Hooper didn't score yesterday but set up two of their goals as Scunthorpe moved above Leicester to top League One.

Jermaine Beckford, now scoring with ease for Leeds, had a spell on loan with the Irons two seasons ago. Others who blossomed at Scunthorpe have included Billy Sharp, Andy Keogh and Martin Paterson.

Graham Turner forecast that Hooper, who was on loan at Edgar Street late last season, would do well wherever he went.

"Gary Hooper will always be a threat to any team at League One level and I think it would be the same in the Championship. He's a good finisher - and not only that, he has an excellent appreciation of what is around him," said the Hereford United manager as reported by the Guardian.

Scunthorpe have done well out of bringing on players and Hooper could be the next to command a heafty transfer fee when a Premiership or Championship realises his worth. Their circa £150,000 fee to Southend for his services looks a real bargain.

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