Source: PA
Turning down Hoops helped me - Stokes
Anthony Stokes believes his decision to turn Celtic down as a teenager has been vindicated as he arrived at Parkhead a more mature person and better player.
The striker has signed a four-year contract with Celtic after completing a reported £1.2million switch from Hibernian.
Stokes chose Sunderland in January 2007 after then Black Cats manager Roy Keane drove to Scotland to persuade him to reject a move to Celtic.
Stokes endured a largely unhappy spell on and off the park in Wearside, netting five goals in 38 games and being loaned out to Crystal Palace and Sheffield United.
But he rejuvenated his career following a move to Hibernian last summer with his 23-goal return earning him another chance to sign for his boyhood heroes. And the 22-year-old is confident he is now in a better position to establish himself as a Celtic player.
"I look upon the move down south positively," the Republic of Ireland international said. "It was good experience for me down there and hopefully I'm coming here a better player."
