Anthony Stokes (F free agent b.1988)

Keane on Stokes yesterday:

It was slick and one-touch, with the pace provided by Anthony Stokes. The former Arsenal striker was used on the flank and there was a moment near the end that offered an insight into Keane's managerial approach. With his side 2-1 up and needing only to retain possession as the 90th minute approached, the 18-year-old attempted a dribble and lost the ball. Then he did it again. Keane called him over for a word. But instead of raging at him, Stokes received a thumbs up and was told he was doing fine. 'He's naive, but who isn't at 18?' Keane said. 'But I thought Stokesy was different class.

Interesting to see Keane is playing Stokes on the wing. Word had it, that one of the reasons Stokes left Arsenal was because Wenger envisaged grooming Stokes to play in the wide positions, something that didn't sit easily with Stokes and his advisers.

He'd do well to take the advice of someone who has been there and done it though. He'll get his chance up front again no doubt.

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Originally Posted by drinkfeckarse

He'd do well to take the advice of someone who has been there and done it though. He'll get his chance up front again no doubt.

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Well he already went against the wishes of a man with infinitely more managerial experience than Keane if drummerboy is to be believed.

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Originally Posted by gustavo

Well he already went against the wishes of a man with infinitely more managerial experience than Keane if drummerboy is to be believed.

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As much as Arsene Wenger should be revered and respected, he hasn't been there and done it as a player and that counts as a lot as a player.

A lot of people would be in total awe of Keane, more so young players.

Moyes did the same thing with Rooney for a while, let him play on the wing to get used to playing in the first team, and to take the pressure of scoring off him.

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Originally Posted by drinkfeckarse

As much as Arsene Wenger should be revered and respected, he hasn't been there and done it as a player and that counts as a lot as a player.

A lot of people would be in total awe of Keane, more so young players.

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All very well and good if Keane and Wenger were both still players but they arent , they are managers and Wengers record is impeccable

Think Stokes will be used on the wing for a bit now with Carlos Edwards injured .. Might not be his preferred position but just good to see him playing to be honest.. Hopefully he will start knocking a few goals in as well. Did alright on sat just a bit niave but expected from an 18yr old .

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Originally Posted by gustavo

All very well and good if Keane and Wenger were both still players but they arent , they are managers and Wengers record is impeccable

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Of course Wengers record is impeccable, I'm not trying to say Keane is anywhere near Wenger in the managerial stakes. My point is that it is understandable though for young players to more in awe of Keane than Wenger simply because the boys can remember Keane winning the lot and being the man. In a logical world it wouldn't make sense :)

I think he & a couple of others missed the bus yesterday.

Apparently they have been left behind & dropped.

I don't think you would find a young Roy Keane doing that !!

However it is apparently the second time Stokes has been in troublefor time keeping inthe last couple of weeks. If they don't win today I suspect Roy will be furious.

Stokes, Hysen and some other guy were 4 minutes late for the bus yesterday so they're dropped today. Strict by Keane but it's working so far.

they won 2-nil with connoly scoring again...

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Originally Posted by eirebhoy

Stokes, Hysen and some other guy were 4 minutes late for the bus yesterday so they're dropped today. Strict by Keane but it's working so far.

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Maybe not the type needed for Ireland squad going forward.

If he can't get into the Sunderland team then I think needs to be dropped as more worthy players for Ireland squad. How many games has he started for Sunderland anyway?

when stokes is fit and out of trouble he has always started for sunderland. no doubt the most gifted player in their squad just prone to a bit off messing, which will sort itself out in time

Pete, Stokes will make it. No doubt about it. :)

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Originally Posted by FootballsKing

when stokes is fit and out of trouble he has always started for sunderland. no doubt the most gifted player in their squad just prone to a bit off messing, which will sort itself out in time

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Whats his goals per game ratio at the moment?

well if you mean this season he has scored 17 goals in about 25 games so if you want to do the maths?

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Originally Posted by FootballsKing

well if you mean this season he has scored 17 goals in about 25 games so if you want to do the maths?

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He's scored more than that

Remember this is just an 18 year old. If he wants to live up to his talent and be a star at the highest level, Keane is the perfect guy to drill discipline into him. There may be a few examples like this as he learns what is necessary at the highest level from someone who excelled there. If he's a smart and driven kid, Keane will be the perfect mentor to get the best out of him and get him to respond. If he is not smart and driven, over time it will be revealed under Keane.

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Originally Posted by reder

Whats his goals per game ratio at the moment?

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He's not playing up front for Sunderland atm so that's pretty pointless. He reads the game too well to be a flop. Many players are meant to be the next big thing and most of them end up in mediocrocy but it's clear Stokes has the ability, intelligience and certainly won't be affected much by confidence. He's a player we can say for sure has a relatively (in Irish terms) big future imo.