Lennon Stokes winning mentality

01 October 2010 16:21
ifelong Celtic fan Anthony Stokes knew all about the demands placed on the team before he signed for the club in August.[LNB] But he admits the incessant reminders from manager Neil Lennon have reinforced the need to win every match.[LNB]Celtic host Hamilton tomorrow looking for their 15th consecutive SPL victory and Stokes will go into the match with the words of Lennon ringing in his ears.[LNB]"The gaffer hammers the need to win into us every day, so listening to him it's always at the back of your mind," said the 22-year old.[LNB]"I knew what was expected coming here anyway, it's just part and parcel and luckily enough this season we've won every game so far.[LNB]"Every day in training and before games, we sit down and have a meeting and the gaffer drills it home - it's all about winning games.[LNB]"We'll take a 1-0 victory every week because it all comes down to - through the course of the season - being the best team."[LNB]Champions Rangers have matched Celtic's perfect start to the season and the pair sit eight points ahead of third-placed Motherwell with just six games played.[LNB]But both Old Firm teams have won by a solitary goal on four occasions each and Stokes has warned supporters not to expect a walkover whoever they play.[LNB]"To be honest our squad this season is very strong and Rangers obviously have a strong squad, I think it's hard on the other teams to compete when you see the quality of players the Old Firm have," the former Hibernian player said.[LNB]"The fans expect us to win three or four nil every week, but it's not going to be like that.[LNB]"If you look at the Kilmarnock game the other week, teams will sit back and be hard to break down.[LNB]"Fans just need to be patient, every win is a win - it doesn't matter how it comes. We want to play nice football as well, but at the end of the day we play for results."

Source: Team_Talk