Hibs’ Head Coach Alan Stubbs was delighted for Anthony Stokes as the Irishman scored both goals in the club’s 2-1 victory away to Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the William Hill Scottish Cup Quarter Final Replay in the Highlands last night.
Stokes was a surprise loan signing from Celtic in the January transfer window and quickly got off the mark by scoring in his first two games. Since then the goals and points have dried up and because the Hibs’ fans know what a good player he is, the striker has received some criticism from a section of the supporters, although not from Stubbs.
Hibs now face Dundee United in the semi-final at Hampden Park on Saturday 16th April with the winners playing either Celtic or Rangers in the final.
Should Celtic emerge as winners in the other semi-final however neither Stokes nor fellow loanee Liam Henderson will be able to play in the final.
Stubbs also paid tribute to Stokes’ fellow strikers Jason Cummings and James Keatings who both played their part in last night’s victory over the cup holders and also dedicated the win to the large travelling support.
Speaking after the game to Hibs TV, he said: “I’m delighted for him (Stokes) tonight, I’m delighted for Jason because he looked much sharper tonight, and Keatsy as well – we looked a real threat. We should have won by more goals when the game opened up in the dying stages, but we go back to Hampden.
“Anthony (Stokes) has not been getting any criticism from me. I believe in all my players. Whatever other people want to do, they can do that, but give me quality any day of the week over anything else and the quality will always come through. I think we have answered a few people tonight as well.
“I think we had to deal with a lot of aerial balls and they put us under a lot of pressure at set pieces or throw ins and they were quite direct tonight but the lads stood up to it. They got themselves in a really good position and it gives us another opportunity to get back to Hampden. I’m delighted for the players.
“The fans gave us a fantastic support as usual. It’s a long way to come here and on behalf of myself and all the players I’d like to tell them ‘That performance was for you tonight, spending your hard earned money and time to come this far during the week, they will be getting back in the early hours of the morning, so thank you.”
“We desperately want to bring success to this football club and we are on the right lines. as the season goes on we will get stronger and get Dylan (McGeouch) Fraser (Fyvie) and Paul Hanlon back. Danny Handling is also coming back.
“We’ve had a bit of a blip for a week and we have taken stock of what people have said and we are ready for the run 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.
