Originally Posted by
tetsujin1979
Stokes started up front with Caleb Folan against Forest last year. After about a half hour, he was through on goal with only the keeper to beat, and shot wide. Folan had the same chance about 10 minutes later and scored. As well as that, he spurned several other chances and was eventually substituted for Shane Long. Folan went on to play against Poland, as well as Gibson, Long and Andrews who all impressed against Forest. Stokes was an unused substitute and since then has only been called into the squad VS Italy away as cover, and didn't make the bench. Since then he's returned to the squad for the U-21s.
Trapattoni has obviously had a look at him (possibly under Brady's recommendation) but didn't think he was up to it. Four goals in ten games is not a great return, despite the quality of the goal at the weekend. He'll need to continue his improvement since returning to Scotland to return to the senior squad.