STOKES’ SHOT AT REDEMPTION
Striker aims to get back on track at Easter Road
TOLD that many Celtic fans were disappointed not to still have him playing a part in Ronny Deila’s starting XI, Anthony Stokes barely hesitated before quipping: ‘It’s a pity they’re not picking the team…’
If there is a touch of the gallows humour about his one-liner, he can probably afford to laugh for the first time in a while. For the next four months, at least, he will be working for a gaffer who actually wants him.
In fact, given the speed with which he has moved from cold storage at Celtic to the warm embrace of the Hibernian family, his biggest risk may be chilblains.
In Alan Stubbs, the Irishman not only has a manager willing to select him for actual matches — but someone ready to intercede on his behalf with Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill.
If his chances of playing out the final option year of his Celtic contract may rest on whether Deila survives the summer, a barnstorming second half of the season — a Championship title, maybe even some glory in the cups — could yet bag him a place in the European Championships.
All he has to do? Perform. Live up to the heightened expectations of Hibs fans who see Stokes as the missing piece of the jigsaw. The difference, they hope, between scuffling around in the play-off sand overhauling Rangers to march straight back into the top flight.
‘I think you always have a point to prove,’ admitted Stokes. ‘I haven’t played in four or five months. I’ve been doing double sessions and trying to work hard — but there is nothing like playing games.
‘That bit of match sharpness might be lacking. But, of course, I need to prove myself. You need to prove yourself year in, year out. There is no difference here.
‘If you can handle it at Celtic for four or five years, I think I’ll cope with this OK.’
Willing to shoulder any burden put on him, Stokes is quick to note that he will not be solely responsible f or the result of an entire season’s toil.
‘If we win the league here, it won’t be down to me — it will be down to the team,’ he stressed.
‘Look at the position they’re in already this season. They’re only five points off Rangers.
‘Whether I was here or wasn’t here, they’d have an opportunity to cut that at the weekend.
‘It’s a good young team, they’re creative — and I’m just hoping there are plenty of chances made to put the ball in the back of the net and get some good results.
‘ I had options down south and in the Scottish Premiership, but I had a good feeling when Hibs were on the phone and everyone spoke highly of Alan.
‘I know the club and I know a lot of the players here. You have to consider, when you are l ooking at a four- month l oan, about going to a team where you think you will settle in almost straight away.
‘Hibs are a creative team in this league. I’ve watched a few of their games this season and they carve out chances. I was always swaying towards Hibs.’
Stokes, who scored 24 goals in 45 games during his first spell with Hibs, arrives motivated not just by international, but club considerations as well. He is what the Americans would call ‘on the bubble’ when it comes to selection for Euro 2016.
‘I have been involved in most Republic of Ireland squads since I
was 17, 18, and it is one of the biggestt things I will always look back on in my career,’ said t he 27- year- ol d, who has won ninee full caps.
‘ I wish I had more caps. To represent your country is one of the highest honours.
‘ I have been lucky enough to wi n a lot o ff medals with Celtic and I won the Championship with Sunderland — but to represent your country has to be at the very top of your list.
‘Of course going to the European Championship with them would be unbelievable, but it is down to me and my performances. I think it is in my hands now.
‘I didn’t speak to Martin before coming here, no. I probably didn’t want to be swayed on it because I didn’t know which way he might have looked at it!
‘I am happy with the decision I made. I was confident early doors, even when other offers came in.in ‘I think, even the last six months, every squad that has come up, I have been on standby, so it is nice to know that he is still thinking about you, even when y ou are not playing on a regular basis. ‘I think he has been very fair with me on everything. Even in thet past he has always spoken to me. ‘It comes down to me performing, playing well and keeping myself in the best shape possible.’
Stubbs hopes to use the prospect of an international revival as a motivational tool, even offering to champion his cause with O’Neill, saying: ‘He’s got an opportunity to try to force his way into the Republic of Ireland squad for the European Championships in France later this year.
‘It doesn’t get any better than that. We’re going to give him a platform, we’re hoping he is going to perform to the best of his ability.
‘ I think any player with the quality he has should still have that level of ambition.
‘There are not many players with that ability who turn their back on their country. And that’s not the case with him.
‘It’s just that, when you’re not playing, it’s difficult for Martin to pick him.
‘But when you are playing and doing the business on the pitch, speculation rises and the chance of getting a call-up increases.
‘I will speak to Martin. Everyone knows what I think of Martin, he’s a top bloke.
‘I will speak to him, although I’m very reluctant about what he’s going to tell me!
‘I hope for Anthony’s sake that he has an opportunity where, if he does really well, he may just gatecrash that squad.’
That actually may be easier than winning back a starting place at Celtic. Until they actually start letting the fans pick the team, that is.