GARY HOOPER issued a come and get me plea after a masterclass at the Masters in Braehead Arena.
And Hamilton Accies answered the call.
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The League One title challengers made an audacious bid to lure the striker back to Scotland to add to his 63-goal tally.
However the move for the popular Parkhead poacher fell short and John Rankin has been forced to look elsewhere for additions to chase down Falkirk.
Accies have not struggled in front of goal – hitting the net 41 times already thiss eason, but they do trail the league leaders by five points having played a match more.
Director of football Gerry Strain told the Daily Record: “We made an inquiry about Gary last month after becoming aware he could be about to be available, but it isn’t going to work out.
“Through my relationship with Neil Lennon – who signed Gary for Celtic and Omonoia Nicosia – I spoke to Gary about the possibility and he was very straightforward with us.
“It is unfortunate, but he is one of a number of players we have looked into in recent weeks and although Gary won’t be coming to Hamilton, we are hopeful that there will be some new signings being announced soon.
“We are working hard and the club has been consulting with a number of high-profile people in the game to help us improve the squad.”
Hooper was a popular player in his three years wearing the number 88 shirt at Celtic.
He re-united with ex-boss Lennon for a six-month spell in Cyprus but found himself a free agent almost a year ago.
After starring at the Masters competition at Braehead alongside the likes of Joe Ledley and Kris Commons he said he could still do a job for a team, and shot down Rangers with an indoor double.
He smiled: “Playing football, beating Rangers – it’s always nice!
“I should have had my third goal but a win is a win.
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He added: “I’m still looking for a club. I finished in March and I haven’t done much work since so I’m a bit tired at the moment but I’m looking for a club.
“The transfer window is closed but I’m a free agent so we’ll see what happens.”
He was later snapped up on a short-term deal by Barnet but Hamilton aimed to give him his SIXTEENTH club in their ambitious move after his deal ended – but the Lanarkshire side are now pursuing other targets.
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