Celtic snap up Anthony Stokes
Scottish Premier League giants Celtic today confirmed the signing of Anthony Stokes from Hibernian.
The clubs finally agreed a fee for the striker on transfer deadline day, which will see the Edinburgh club receive around £800,000 for the player, who has signed a four-year deal with Celtic after passing a medical exam and agreeing to personal terms.
Stokes had turned down the chance to join Celtic in 2007, and feared that he would not get another chance to play for the Hoops.
'Hectic' few days
Stokes told his new club’s official website of his delight at making the switch to Celtic. He said that: “I’m delighted to get it all done and dusted, the last few days have been hectic and I’m now looking forward to getting into it and playing games. The main thing for me is to keep my head down, work my socks off, get myself into the team and I’m sure the goals will take care of themselves after that.”
The 22-year-old, who has won three caps for the Republic of Ireland, has become Neil Lennon’s eleventh signing of the summer as the Celtic boss revamped the squad at Parkhead.
Stokes started his career with English Premier League giants Arsenal and progressed through the youth ranks there. After failing to make an impression at first-team level, he was loaned out to SPL club Falkirk, where he shone under his future Hibs manager John Hughes.
Big hit at Hibs
He later moved to North East side Sunderland, but again could not force his way into the first team. He moved on to Hibs last summer in a deal worth around £500,000 and proved a huge success as he netted 23 times in all competitions last season.
Meanwhile, Hibs have compensated for the loss of their top scorer from last season by signing Bristol Rovers forward Darryl Duffy on loan.
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