ANTHONY Stokes has agreed a loan switch to Hibernian for the remainder of the season, but the Bhoys don’t look like they’ll miss his prowess in front of goal.
Ronny Deila’s in-form side thrashed Hamilton 8-1 on Tuesday night, with top scorer Leigh Griffiths bagging a hat-trick, while Mikael Lustig, Nir Bitton, Tom Rogic, James Forrest and Callum McGregor also chipped in, as below.
Stokes, whose contract at the club expires at the end of next season, started just one league game for Celtic this season having fallen out of favour with Deila, who is still chasing a domestic treble for the Hoops.
The lack of game time has jeopardised Ireland international Stokes’ potential place in Martin O’Neill’s squad for the European Championships this summer, with just 23 players allowed to travel to France.
Although his new club Hibs, who he already played for during the 2009-10 season, are in the Scottish Championship – a tier below Celtic – regular footballer and prolific form may help Stokes play himself back into contention.
To date, Stokes has scored 76 goals in 192 appearances for Celtic, while he is yet to net in nine caps for Ireland.
