Anthony Stokes feels his partnership with Gary Hooper has progressed so well that he instinctively knows where his fellow Celtic striker is running.
The Irishman's brilliant overhead volley against Hibernian on Saturday was his first goal from open play since the 9-0 victory over Aberdeen on November 6. The stunning strike, which followed his penalty in the 3-0 victory, coincided with Hooper's return following a four-week absence with an ankle problem.
Stokes told the Huddle Online. "Hoops coming back makes it a lot easier for me because I've got someone to play with up there. I think I have a very good understanding with him. In a way we are different players but the runs we make are very similar. I've always a fair idea of where he is on the pitch so it makes it easier for me."
Celtic host Aberdeen again on Saturday in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League in the first of three matches against the Dons in 11 days.
But Stokes is not banking on another rout with Aberdeen having won four games and drawn one since veteran management team Craig Brown and Archie Knox took charge.
"I think it's going to be a completely different game," Stokes said.
"I have watched them over the last few weeks and their form has completely turned around.
"We are just going to have to approach it like we do any game and show them full respect. I don't think it will be anything like the last game."
Source: PA
