Stokes remains in Hughes' plans

27 August 2010 18:00

Hibernian manager John Hughes has insisted he is preparing for Sunday's match against St Mirren with Celtic transfer target Anthony Stokes in his team.

The 22-year-old has emerged as a possible signing for Celtic manager Neil Lennon after finishing last season as the SPL's second-top scorer behind Rangers' Kris Boyd. Reports have suggested the Old Firm outfit are ready to step up their long-standing pursuit of the marksman ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline.

"We can definitely prepare for Sunday's game with Anthony in the team. He was in at training on Friday and he was 100 per cent focused and ready to go for Sunday's match," said Hughes.

"I'm serious about this, all I know is there has been an interest. But at this moment in time I am just telling him to keep his focus on Sunday.

"I told him to make sure he was mentally prepared and ready to go, but if he plays the way he trained on Friday morning then I've not got a problem.

"I need him on Sunday. He's got goals in him and I need him."

Hughes himself received the call from Celtic as a player but refused to be drawn into whether Stokes would be able to pass up the opportunity to join the Glasgow giants, insisting he views his own club as an attractive one.

He added: "It's up to the individual and it depends on the circumstances and where you are, but this is a wonderful club as well, with a fantastic infrastructure, a fantastic playing surface and it's a club I think is going places.

"I want guys of the calibre of Anthony Stokes playing for Hibs and scoring goals."

Source: PA