Wellington Phoenix believe they may have the club's best-ever signing, coaxing former Celtic forward Gary Hooper to the A-League.

Hooper, 31, joins as a free agent, most recently with Sheffield Wednesday, after a career in English and Scottish football.

The Englishman will be hoping to recapture his form with the Glasgow Giants, where he won two titles and a golden boot.

Hooper has signed a one-season marquee deal and will miss this weekend's away trip to play Sydney FC ahead of a likely debut in round three against Perth Glory.

His signing raises hopes that the perennial A-League strugglers may be able to back up last year's surprise finals appearance.