Experience of Stokes important to Stubbs

TIMING is everything. Especially when it comes to the acquisition of tried-and-tested talent.

There is every reason for all at Hibs to puff out their chests and start walking with a bit of swagger, then, as they prepare to welcome Anthony Stokes and Kevin Thomson into their squad at a fairly opportune moment.

Celtic striker Stokes is expected to finalise the paperwork on his loan deal this morning, having spent yesterday afternoon watching his new/old team battle to a 1-1 draw at Falkirk.

Former Scotland international Thomson, who will be taking up a hybrid player-coach role when he ties up all the loose ends following his departure from Dundee, was also in attendance.

For Easter Road manager Alan Stubbs, the fact that both will be in the squad now — right when he needs not only quality but experience — is a major bonus as his team joust with leaders Rangers and the second-placed Bairns for the title.

‘The fact that both Anthony and Kevin have won things in their careers is very important,’ said Stubbs (below).

‘Because we are getting to the stage in the season when things will start to pan out and give us a real indication of how we are going to finish the season.

‘I expect us to be very, very strong.

‘We’re right in the mix for promotion, we’re in the semifinals of the League Cup and the fifth round of the Scottish Cup against our local rivals, Hearts.

‘So every game is a big game for us now.

‘With Anthony, we are hoping to get it tied up in the morning. There is a bit of paperwork to be done and we still need to speak to Celtic.

‘Kevin will give us a bit of experience in the dressing room and he will probably incorporate some coaching with the younger groups as well.

‘I was surprised to hear that Kevin was available. We found out last week that something could happen and it all seemed to happen quite quickly.

‘We have an excellent group now and thanks must go to the chairman, (chief executive) Leeann Dempster, the board and all the directors for helping me to do that. It’s very reassuring that we are all on the same page.’

Long-serving Hibs regular Lewis Stevenson, who has played with both Thomson and Stokes on their previous tours of Easter Road duty, is adamant that the capture of the Irishman, in particular, is a statement of intent by the Edinburgh club.

‘I think it is a sign of ambition,’ said utility man Stevenson.

‘I’m sure that every team in Scotland would have wanted Stokesy, so it says a lot that he’s wanted to come here.

‘Easter Road is a great place to play, things are looking positive this season.

‘It is obviously going to be tough, but we’re going all out for promotion this season.

‘What I remember mostly about Stokesy is his ability to score goals. Someone showed me his stats just recently and his record from his whole time in Scotland is amazing.

‘I think he has scored in something like 75 per cent of the games that he’s played in up here. Don’t quote me on that!

‘He’s a quality player who has played at a really good level, the same as Thommo, who has obviously been there, done that, and won leagues.

‘If things do get finalised and they both come in then, not just playing wise, we will be able to learn a lot from them.

‘I do not think that anything is finalised yet but they’ll both be good players for us.

‘I’ve played with both of them, Kevin during both his spells at the club. They will be really good additions when they finally come through.

‘They are top players — and I’m sure they’ll make a difference to us between now and the end of the season.

‘I think it will probably give us a lift. We’ve already got a good squad and there is competition for places all over. ‘The gaffer has been telling us that, if we don’t perform, then there are plenty of players of quality to come in and take our places. So we need to perform to the best of our abilities. ‘I am sure that there will be plenty of changes within our squad between now and the end of the current season.’