Celtic manager Ronny Deila has confirmed that Anthon Stokes is free to leave the Scottish champions this month on loan, and Hibs are reported to have confirmed formal talks have begun.
Stokes’ former boss John Hughes wants to keep him in the Scottish Premiership with Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Dundee United are also believed to be interested along with a number of clubs in England who are also monitoring the situation.
The 27-year-old Irishman scored 22 goals during a season with Hibs under Hughes before moving to Celtic Park and Hibs are keen to get him in on loan to help with their promotion push.
Coincidentally his former striking partner Derek Riordan is also training at the club.
Deila told STV :”We think he will go on loan.He has some options but together with Stokesy we haven’t decided what is the right one yet. A lot of clubs have been in contact who want to have Stokesy on their team.
“We will see what Anthony wants and what is best for the club. He is happy to go out on loan. He wants to get some games under his belt. It’s important for everybody he finds himself, gets some good performances and can then perform for Celtic again.
“Does he still have a Celtic future? Yeah, everybody has that. He has a contract with the club and Stokesy knows the things he has to take care of. Hopefully he will get a good run of games, score some goals and get back in good confidence and the best shape he can be in.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
