Anthony Stokes (Arsenal & Ireland) Article
By Lambros Lambrou from tonights Arsenal Vs Portsmouth Match Programme
At just 17 years of age Anthony Stokes is already a comparative veteran of the Arsenal Youth and Reserves squads and that is showing in the maturity of his play.
"I think I have developed a lot very quickly," says the Dublin-born forward. "I think I am much more of a team player now and my thoughts are guided by what I can do for the team. I now play more of a passing game where I look to pass and spring forward rather than take on as many defenders as possible to open up a shooting chance.
"I have tended to play in wider areas for Arsenal this year," he explains, "which has meant that I have not been able to get into as many scoring positions, but I hope to get more games as one of the front two. I am happy to be playing, but I have to be honest and say that I feel that I play best when I’m playing in striker’s positions."
The young Gunner is favourite to scoop the Republic of Ireland Under-19s Player of the Year Award. The gong is made all the more prestigious given the success achieved this year by the Irish side, most notably when they beat Italy 4-1 to get to the European Championships. "I hope to win it," Anthony says. "Everyone likes to have what they do recognised, even the top professionals. If I win it I’ll be pleased and I’m sure it will give me a further confidence boost, but if I don’t win, I’ll be disappointed but it won’t affect me," he insists.
"We have a really good Under-19s team and I really enjoy playing for my country, especially as I play in attack. I expect we’ll do well in the European Championships because a lot of people have worked really hard."
The youngster joined Arsenal from Shelbourne when he was just 15 and even trained with the first team with Arsène Wenger when he was only 14. He was recently re-united with the first team squad and in fact made his debut in the Carling Cup victory over Sunderland. "I know I only played a few minutes and I would have liked to have played longer, but it was a fantastic experience travelling with the first team and experiencing all that goes on," he explains.
"I was a bit disappointed not to have been selected for the midweek game against Doncaster, but I hope to get further opportunities. I want to gain as much experience as possible but at the moment I want to concentrate on doing well in the Reserves and training."
Anthony was amongst a strong Arsenal youth team that were dumped out of the FA Youth Cup by Brentford recently and the youngster is hard pressed to offer an explanation for the defeat. "We had a really good side out, with so many of the players having already had first team experience. We just couldn’t really get going as a team.
"Brentford played well and worked hard for each other and we may have been guilty of underestimating them," suggests the youngster. "It’s quite frustrating because we haven’t really played to our potential in the FA Youth Cup for a while. It’s the one youth competition where there is an emphasis on getting the results and maybe that has added pressure and maybe caused us not to play as we can. We’re definitely amongst the strongest teams in the country but unfortunately now that we are out of the FA Youth Cup it is difficult for us to show it."
Anthony will be getting six days off over the holidays and is travelling back to Dublin with his family. "My mum and dad live with me here in England but we are all going back to Ireland to enjoy Christmas. I’m really looking forward to it," he beams. "I’m going to try to relax and forget about football for a few days so I can come back refreshed and ready to start the new year with a few more goals."
My hero...Thierry Henry
"It’s Thierry Henry. We are completely different players, but as a striker we all have to be able to finish and he is one of the best finishers around. I feel fortunate to be able to learn from him in games and training close up."