After much speculation, Hibs have finally announced the signing of Celtic striker Anthony Stokes on loan until the end of the season.
The signing is seen a major coup by Stubbs in the race for promotion from the Championship.
Stokes had the opportunity to stay in the top flight with both Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Dundee United or move to the English Championship with Cardiff City or Leeds United however he chose to return to Easter Road where he previously played under John Hughes.
Stokes was at the Falkirk Stadium on Sunday to watch his new team mates draw with Falkirk and he is likely to make his debut at Easter Road against St Mirren on Saturday.
During one season at the club Stokes scored 24 goals in 48 games and helped Hibs to fourth position and a European place.
After finding his feet, the Dubliner went on an impressive run of form, scoring ten times in nine matches, including goals against Celtic, Rangers and Hearts. This form brought him to the attention of Celtic and he moved at the start of the following season for an undisclosed fee.
So far he has won nine international caps for the Republic of Ireland, the last being in November 2013 against Poland in a friendly.
Former manager Roy Keane is the Irish number two under Martin O’Neil and at the moment Stokes is unlikely to be considered for the European Championships this summer, regular first team football could see him force his way into contention.
Head Coach Alan Stubbs said: “Anthony is a fantastic footballer and will really strengthen the squad.
“We have a number of options in attack and real competition for places which is what every manager wants.
“We are excited about Anthony coming here and I think he will prove to be a real asset.”
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.
