Sheffield Wednesday: Goal machine Gary Hooper leads the way for Owls

Hooper has been superb from the word go this season and contributed nearly half of Wednesday’s 15 Championship goals.

His first half brace against Leeds United on Sunday means Hooper has now found the back of the net seven times in as many matches. He scooped the man of the match award in front of the TV cameras. He is at the peak of his powers.

Wednesday winger Ross Wallace told The Star: “Gary is right up there with the best strikers I’ve worked with, especially finishing wise.

“His all-round game is really good but he’s absolutely clinical when he gets a chance in the box. Sometimes I just look away because I know it is going to be a goal.

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“Once he’s one on one with the goalie, there’s only one outcome. His finishing is so good.”

It is no surprise to Wallace that Hooper is near the top of the goal-scoring charts.

“We see Hoops every day in training,” he said. “His finishing is incredible.

“I’ve always said that if we can get Hoops in the right positions and create chances for him he can score a lot of goals this season.

“I definitely think Hoops is one of the top strikers in this division. When he’s on his game, he’s unplayable at times.

“He’s strong, very clever with his hold up play and scores goals.”

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As for Hooper’s burgeoning double act with Steven Fletcher up front, Wallace said: “It’s important we keep them fit. They are both on form and enjoying playing with each other.

“Fletch was outstanding against Leeds. Him and Hoops played off each other and it was probably the best I have seen them play together.

“It makes our job easier as a midfield playing behind them. If we create opportunities for them, we know goals will come.

“Obviously we’ve got big [Jordan] Rhodesy, big Attey [Atdhe Nuhiu] and Lucas [Joao] on the bench if we need them to come on.

“But the partnership between Fletch and Hoops looks to be blossoming at the minute.”

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