Alan Stubbs waiting on Anthony Stokes’ decision

With no game today, Hibs’ fans will be glued to the internet waiting on news as to whether Anthony Stokes has decided to return to Easter Road on loan from Celtic.

The 27-year-old  Republic of Ireland internationalist scored 23 goals in one season after joining Hibs from Sunderland and his form saw him win a big money move to Celtic in August 2010.

Yesterday Stubbs confirmed that he would be delighted to bring in a player of the quality of Stokes and he would have no hesitation in selecting him immediately but he is not counting his chickens’ as the striker has other options.

John Hughes twice managed Stokes, at Falkirk and Hibs and he was the first to enquire about his availability for Inverness Caledonian Thistle then Mixu Paatelainen agreed terms with Celtic to take him to Tannadice but it is understood that Easter Road is his preferred option.

Stubbs said: “I’m not comfortable speaking to much about Anthony because we haven’t done the deal yet, but I wouldn’t have a problem putting him into the squad to face Falkirk.

“From speaking to lads who know him, he just wants to try and move on and play regularly and we will give him that opportunity.”

“If we do get this across the line then, obviously, for whatever reason, it hasn’t worked out the way everyone would have liked for Anthony. This is an opportunity for him to go out and play.

“Obviously, Celtic are the parent club and they are, to a certain degree, in control of things but Anthony has a say in it as well.

“He has also been allowed to speak to Dundee Utd and Inverness but we’re hopeful Anthony will come here.”

“There’s a long way to go in the league and he definitely increases our odds of trying to do it. Do we have a better chance with Anthony Stokes? The answer is pretty obvious.”