Trolled up to the
HIBS LATEST DERBY COUNTDOWN Stokes can live with Tynie tirade for undefeated run
ANTHONY STOKES is eyeing nine in a row.
The Hibs striker can’t see past his side in tomorrow’s Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle after going undefeated in their last eight head-to-heads.
Despite Hearts’ resurgence under Craig Levein seeing the Gorgie men unbeaten in their last seven matches, Stokes is convinced Hibs will waltz off with the bragging rights once again.
The Irishman was on target for the 11th time this season as Neil Lennon’s men recovered from a 4-1 hammering at Pittodrie with a 2-1 result against Ross County at the weekend.
That opened up a five-point gap on the Jambos as Hibs went within three points of third-placed Rangers.
Now Stokes wants to claim goal No.12 at a revamped Tynecastle – even if it means copping pelters from the maroon hordes.
The 29-year-old, who spent a season at Easter Road before leaving for Celtic in 2010, said: “When I was here the first time I was on the end of a couple of defeats but it has been mainly Hibs for a while now.
“We have to fancy ourselves because the league table doesn’t lie. Our form has been good, one blip at Aberdeen aside.
“Look at the performance and result at the weekend – everything looks a lot brighter.
“Derbies tend not to have much free-flowing football – they are all about desire. The better players nine times out of 10 still come out on top.
“I fancy our squad, I really do. Listen, these are the sort of games you look to on the fixture list and say, ‘That’ll be a good one’ – especially at this time of year.
“The fans will be up for it and so are we. We’ve put ourselves in a great position this year despite a disappointing week just recently.
“If we can win the derby and get a good result against Kilmarnock the start of 2018 will look very bright for us.
“I’m never happy. I always think I could have scored more goals.
“There are two games left before the end of the year and if I finish the year on 12 or 13 goals – something like that – I will be happy enough.
“That means scoring in the derby and that’s the plan. Tynecastle is good and I’ve always enjoyed playing there – it’s a great atmosphere.
“I get pelters as well mind you. I don’t mind that. Scoring in front of the new main stand would be nice. Mind you I’ll take a goal at either end of the park.”
Stokes revealed he had hit the gym ahead of the Staggies clash because he felt he wasn’t contributing enough to the team effort.
He readily admitted the Edinburgh side’s loss to Aberdeen in the Granite City last weekend was a blip. And he added: “We wanted to show we had a bit about us after the Aberdeen game.
“Brandon Barker and Martin Boyle have been outstanding.
“The pace they have, it’s hard for anybody to live with them. They have great movement as well so they’ve been a real asset this season.
“I felt good against Ross County. I went to see the fitness coaches at the start of last week.
“The last couple of weeks I just hadn’t felt I had that sharpness or fitness about me.
“I’ve been doing a bit of extra work in the gym and after training – and it paid off against County. I felt as if I had a spring in my step so that’s something I need to maintain. I was doing gym work – some squats, stand-ups off the boards, a bit of fitness work as well.
“The previous two or three weeks I felt like I didn’t have a kick to get away from players. I felt a bit fatigued going into the 60th minute.
“I wasn’t sure what it was and maybe I just needed that extra bit of work. Obviously last week was a tough week for us, even mentally.”
Stokes insists he has no intention of curbing Oli Shaw’s enthusiasm should Lennon give the teenager the nod to start the second Edinburgh derby of the season after staying on the bench in October’s 1-0 victory.
The 19-year-old grabbed a 75thminute winner against the Staggies and Stokes reckons the youngster had a blinder leading the front line – something he hates to do himself.
Stokes said: “He was brilliant at the weekend – a great focal point, holding the ball in, bringing other players into the game.
“Even for myself I was playing off him. There were 60-40 balls in favour of the defender – ones you wouldn’t fancy him to get – and he was coming out on top.
“His flick-ons, knockdowns and strength make a massive difference to the team. It is great having someone who leads the line so well. It’s something I’ve never enjoyed doing myself because it is a slog. He makes it look easy.
“If he plays in the derby I don’t think I’d be reining him in. He’s 19 – you just go and do your own thing at that age, no fear, running on adrenaline.
“Oli’s done well coming on and scoring against Celtic then against County.”
Having sampled both the Glasgow and Edinburgh derbies Stokes is very diplomatic when asked about which is the best.
The former Hoops frontman said: “The Glasgow and Edinburgh derbies? There is no comparison.”