Stokes vows return to form at Easter Road

Anthony Stokes is back at Hibs for a third spell and has vowed to find his best form at Easter Road.

The former Celtic frontman has signed on a free transfer following his release by Blackburn.

The Republic of Ireland international is returning to familiar surroundings following his two previous stints in Leith.

His first 12-month stay came after he made a £500,000 switch from Sunderland in August 2009. He went on to score 24 goals in just under 50 appearances.

He returned to Edinburgh on loan from Celtic in January 2016, helping Hibs end their 114-year wait to lift the Scottish Cup with a brace in their historic Hampden victory over Rangers.

Now the 29-year-old is keen to see the club impress in the Ladbrokes Premiership after they secured promotion last season.

“I am delighted to be coming back to Hibernian,” Stokes told the Edinburgh side’s official website.

“The club has a big place in my heart and it’s where I’ve played some of my best football.

“It’s an environment that can get the best out of me and I am looking forward to getting back among the squad and scoring goals again.

“The scenes of celebration following the cup win will live long in my memory, and the only disappointment from my last spell was that we didn’t get promotion.

“The boys did brilliantly last season and now I’ll be looking to help us push on back in the Premiership.”

Anthony Stokes: delighted to return for a third time.