Source: Team_Talk
Celtic boss seals deal for Stokes
Celtic boss Neil Lennon has completed the signing of Anthony Stokes from Hibernian on a four-year deal for a reported fee of £1.2million.[LNB] The Republic of Ireland international becomes Lennon's 11th signing of the summer.[LNB]The 22-year-old striker, who has won three caps for his country, was top scorer for Hibs last season with 23 goals and was presented at a press conference at Celtic Park later on Tuesday afternoon.[LNB]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.[LNB]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.[LNB]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.[LNB]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.[LNB]And the 22-year-old is confident he is now in a better position to establish himself as a Celtic player.[LNB]"I look upon the move down south positively," the Republic of Ireland international said.[LNB]"It was good experience for me down there and hopefully I'm coming here a better player.[LNB]"I went to Sunderland and made a lot of mistakes and I'm glad I didn't do that here because I wouldn't have the opportunity that I have today to come here and hopefully score a lot of goals and try to be here for as long as possible.[LNB]"I was probably a bit more immature then. I'm sure I still have a lot more to learn but coming here on the back of the goals I scored last year with Hibs will give me confidence as well."[LNB]Stokes added: "It was very hard (to turn down Celtic) but it was just one of those things. I went to speak to Keane and Sunderland had a chance of getting up.[LNB]"We won the league and got into the Premier League. At that age, getting the chance to play in the Premier League was vital."[LNB]The second chance at Celtic Park owes a lot to Hibs boss John Hughes, who signed the striker for the second time last year.[LNB]The Irishman netted 16 goals in 18 games while on loan at Falkirk from Arsenal in 2006 and the former Bairns boss revived his career after moving to Easter Road.[LNB]"I knew I was going to have to start from the bottom again and build myself up," Stokes said.[LNB]"I wasn't playing any games, even reserves. I was lucky a club like Hibs came in for me.[LNB]"I was sitting in Sunderland rotting away and as soon as the gaffer was in for me again, John Hughes, I knew it would be a good move for me and he would get the best out of me.[LNB]"Last year showed that. He kick-started my career when I went on loan, I was only 17. It worked out well and he knew what I could offer.[LNB]"We got into Europe and it was brilliant for me, I had a great time there.[LNB]"The gaffer and the board have been very supportive of me coming here and I owe them a lot, especially the gaffer giving me another chance up here. Hopefully the goals went some way to repaying him."[LNB]Now Stokes wants to settle at Celtic after making first-team appearances for six different clubs in his short career.[LNB]"Hopefully I can do well and settle here," said Stokes, who is away on Republic of Ireland Under-21 duty for the rest of the week. "It's been in the papers for the last few days how many clubs I have had.[LNB]"If it was up to me I would sign a contract for the rest of my career."
