Source: Team_Talk
Stokes heads north to Hibernian
Stokes has agreed a three-year contract at Easter Road after Sunderland accepted an undisclosed fee for the 21-year-old.[LNB]Stokes, who is awaiting international clearance to complete the switch, made a huge impact during a loan spell under Hughes at Falkirk in 2006/07, scoring 14 goals in 16 Scottish Premier League starts.[LNB]The striker's form at Falkirk, where he netted three hat-tricks, quickly prompted Roy Keane to pay Arsenal £2million to take him to Wearside in January 2007.[LNB]Stokes turned down a move to Celtic in order to join Sunderland but most of his 38 appearances for the club came from the bench.[LNB]New Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has now allowed him to move on following a return of five goals. Stokes spent most of last season on loan at both Sheffield United and Crystal Palace but netted only once in the Championship.[LNB]Stokes, who has three caps for the Republic of Ireland, said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be joining Hibernian and particularly pleased to be working with John Hughes again.[LNB]"I know how the manager works and I'm looking forward to producing my best for him and for the team."[LNB]Hughes added: "Anthony has got bags of talent and I can't wait to start working with him again.[LNB]"He has scored goals in the SPL before and I'm certain that he will score goals again.[LNB]"I see him as a great addition as we continue to develop the squad."[LNB]Hibernian, who face Falkirk in the SPL on Saturday, will unveil their new signing at a press conference on Monday.[LNB]Stokes can expect plenty of game time under new Hibs boss Hughes, who is renowned for putting his faith in youth.[LNB]One player currently benefiting from this policy is defender Paul Hanlon, who spent half of last term on loan at St Johnstone.[LNB]The 19-year-old started last weekend's opening game of the season against St Mirren and looks certain to feature on Saturday.[LNB]He said: "I enjoyed my time at St Johnstone - it got me games. But ultimately I want to be playing here.[LNB]"John Hughes has put faith in me from the start of the season and hopefully if I play well, I can keep my place."[LNB]Hanlon is a veteran compared to 17-year-old midfielder David Wotherspoon, who stole the show against Saints with a debut goal.[LNB]Hanlon said: "I thought he was different class. He never made any mistakes at all. He was keeping the ball, he was making things happen, crosses, shots.[LNB]"He'll not get carried away with that. He's been working hard all through the week and if he gets the chance to play this weekend, I'm sure he'll do the same."[LNB]There are plenty of subplots to Saturdays game but Hughes is likely to be the chief protagonist on his first return to the club he quit this summer.[LNB]The Hibs boss believes his former players will be keen to secure bragging rights over him but Hanlon is not so sure.[LNB]"I think that's the more the fans who want to beat John Hughes," he said.[LNB]"The players will just be trying to impress their new manager."[LNB][LNB]
