Former Bhoy can now make Brazil

Joining Norwich City gives Gary Hooper the best possible chance of making the World Cup.

They may not be the most fashionable club, but I believe he had NO chance of playing for England in Brazil had he stayed with Celtic.

He’s a striker with pace who has proved himself against the best in the Champions League.

Unfortunately, that really doesn’t count for much in England.

While it’s not easy to get picked as a Norwich player Grant Holt proved that it’s even more difficult being out of sight and out of mind north of the border.

In the past we saw Steve Bull playing for England while with Wolves in the Second Division.

But times change and I believe England will only consider outfield players who’ve proved their worth in the Premier League.

Hooper has a great chance of getting a regular club game at the Canaries, and I’m not sure that would have been the case if he’d joined one of the elite clubs.

I’m a former team-mate of Norwich boss Chris Hughton, and I know he’ll give his new signing every chance to make his mark in the top flight.

Hooper nearly made the England squad for a friendly against Sweden last year, so it shows he’s in Roy Hodgson’s thoughts.

It’s vital he makes a good start in the Premier League, and hits the net on a regular basis.

If he can grab a few headlines, I’m sure there will be calls to give him a cap.

It really is a great time to try and get a striking spot with England.

Look at the players currently vying for the front positions, and you’ll see plenty of men far from certain to be on the plane to South America.

Wayne Rooney will surely be there, but things are clearly not going well for him at the moment and that could create an opening in upcoming matches.

I could see Hooper playing in a partnership with Andy Carroll.

Teams don’t often play with two up front, but the pairing of a big man with the smaller goal-sniffer could be an option later in matches.

Daniel Sturridge and Danny Wellbeck are talented young players, but neither has looked like a prolific scorer.

I’d say Hooper has a great chance of making the England squad ahead of them.

At 25, and having scored in the Championship and the SPL, the time is right for the former Tottenham trainee to make his mark for club and country.