Norwich receive Hooper injury boost

Norwich City boss Chris Hughton has confirmed that the injury sustained by Gary Hooper on Saturday is not as severe as first feared.

The 25-year-old was carried off on a stretcher during a friendly encounter with Panathanaikos at Carrow Road, which the hosts won 2-0 thanks to a brace from Bradley Johnson.

However, Hughton has revealed that scans on the forward’s injury have provided encouraging news.

“Both the X-ray and the scan are fine and confirm there is no fracture or any other problem which might indicate a long-term injury,” he told the club’s official website.

“There is still some bruising Gary suffered from the knock and he will continue to be monitored and assessed over the days ahead.”

Hooper is one of eight signings who have arrived at Norwich during the close-season.

The Englishman, who netted 82 goals in 138 appearances during his time at Celtic, opened his account with his new club by scoring twice against Braga earlier this month.