Norwich striker Gary Hooper is convinced the Canaries can defy the odds and survive in the Premier League this season.

Hooper made a late second-half appearance in last weekend's 3-1 top-flight defeat to Crystal Palace on City's return to the big time.

The frontman is closing in on a personal milestone of 200 goals in a career which started in non league at Grays and has seen him score in the top six divisions in England, as well as enjoy a prolific spell at Celtic. Hooper also has the distinction of scoring in the FA Cup, the League Cup, the Johnstone's Paint and the FA Trophy. The 27-year-old has yet to nail down a starting role under Alex Neil at City, but believes he can score goals in the Premier League and still fulfil a long-held ambition to represent his country on the international stage.

'We have some talented players and a great spirit. I think we will stay up,' he said. 'I didn't think back then (at Grays) I would end up scoring at every level. The aim was to play in the Premier League and for England. I still hope to play for my country, but I am very proud of my goalscoring record. You could say it has been an eventful career so far.'

Hooper, speaking to The Sun, earned his move to Carrow Road after plundering 63 goals in 95 appearances at Parkhead which saw him win two league titles and two Scottish cups north of the border as well as play in the Champions League for the Bhoys.

'I loved it in Scotland,' said Hooper. 'A lot of people say the standard of football up there is not very good, but Celtic would cope well if they were in the Premier League.

'Scoring a goal is the same whatever level you are playing – get the ball past the keeper. But the higher you go up the better your movement has to be to get into those scoring positions. That's the main difference.'