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.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.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.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.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.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."I know how the manager works and I'm looking forward to producing my best for him and for the team."Hughes added: "Anthony has got bags of talent and I can't wait to start working with him again."He has scored goals in the SPL before and I'm certain that he will score goals again."I see him as a great addition as we continue to develop the squad."Hibernian, who face Falkirk in the SPL on Saturday, will unveil their new signing at a press conference on Monday.Stokes can expect plenty of game time under new Hibs boss Hughes, who is renowned for putting his faith in youth.One player currently benefiting from this policy is defender Paul Hanlon, who spent half of last term on loan at St Johnstone.The 19-year-old started last weekend's opening game of the season against St Mirren and looks certain to feature on Saturday.He said: "I enjoyed my time at St Johnstone - it got me games. But ultimately I want to be playing here."John Hughes has put faith in me from the start of the season and hopefully if I play well, I can keep my place."Hanlon is a veteran compared to 17-year-old midfielder David Wotherspoon, who stole the show against Saints with a debut goal.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."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."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.The Hibs boss believes his former players will be keen to secure bragging rights over him but Hanlon is not so sure."I think that's the more the fans who want to beat John Hughes," he said."The players will just be trying to impress their new manager."

Source: Team_Talk