THE local club for which new Celtic striker Gary Hooper played as a lad is predicted to do big things this season by boss Phil Hernon.

Buckhurst Hill FC (BHFC) are poised to kick off their maiden season in the premier division of the Essex Olympian League.

Hernon took charge three years ago at the team which plays at Roding Lane.

Now the senior team are about to play at the highest level which the club has reached in its history.

Hernon said: “We can definitely survive up there, as we have a lot of young players and also some experience too. We had to toughen up a bit, but I believe our quality will show.”

Loughton-born Hooper, who joined the famous Hoops in the SPL last week, was at the club years ago, before he went to Grays Athletic to develop his career.

But the 22-year-old hitman has stayed true to his roots, and has handed out the awards at BHFC's prize ceremony.

“He's still friends with a lot of the lads from the club and goes on holiday with them,” revealed Hernon. “He's such a nice level-headed lad without any freaky agents, so I think he will succeed at Celtic.”

Last season, Hernon's team went up from division one in second place, and also reached the semi-finals of two cup competitions.