Anthony Stokes (F free agent b.1988)

**geysir** · 07/04/2011, 1:10 AM

Some very nice bits of play here with young Stokes, from the game against Hibs.
Hooper and Stokes

**Stuttgart88** · 07/04/2011, 9:23 AM

Hooper looks a fine player. I was sceptical when they bought him, but it looks like a very shrewd purchase.

That penalty was sweet, though I gather he missed one later.

Really good partnership.

So, is Stokes the main guy (with Hooper) for almost all the games bar Rangers, where Samaras is the horse for the course?

**TiocfaidhArmani** · 07/04/2011, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

Hooper looks a fine player. I was sceptical when they bought him, but it looks like a very shrewd purchase.

That penalty was sweet, though I gather he missed one later.

Really good partnership.

So, is Stokes the main guy (with Hooper) for almost all the games bar Rangers, where Samaras is the horse for the course?

Hooper scored more goals and played less games in the championship for Scunthorpe than Andy Carroll did last year for Newcastle who romped the league. I had high hopes for him and he's not disappointed.

Stokes played well again, I was at the game and he linked well with Hooper. I have a feeling he won't be dropped the next rangers games. He deserves a chance and such a yong partnership with pace will give David Weir nightmares.

**Fixer82** · 07/04/2011, 11:25 AM

Why did Stokes have his name on his shirt in Japanese? Or did they all? Some sort tsunami solidarity gesture?? Anyone know?

**TiocfaidhArmani** · 07/04/2011, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by Fixer82

Why did Stokes have his name on his shirt in Japanese? Or did they all? Some sort tsunami solidarity gesture?? Anyone know?

It was to raise funds for the earthquake victims, the jerseys are being auctioned off for the earthquake fund. They were all in Japanese, yeah.

**Junior** · 07/04/2011, 11:37 AM

Was at the game myself last night. The restored partnership of Stokes and Hooper did not disappoint. within 30 seconds, Stokes had played a one-two with Hooper and played him in on goal and he should have done better with the chance.

Stokes slotted home a nice goal from just inside the box from a through ball from deep. He then had a fresh air swipe from around the penalty spot when Hooper played him in, should have done better.

Later Stokes assisted Hooper for his second goal with a nice outside of the boot flick through ball.

Second half was disappointing after going 3-0 up. Hibs were poor generally but after Liam Miller (remember him?) put away a penalty for them to make it 3-1, things could have got nervy if they got a second but they didnt.

Stokes put it a good shift, pulling out wide to create opening and harrying defenders when they were on the ball. He even did some good defensive work on set pieces, I recall one great defensive header from a Hibs corner.

Hooper skewed his second penalty a foot wide, missing out on his hatrick as a result.

Samaras was an unused sub.

Im not sure Robbie would work well with a partner such as Stokes, I kind of think he should do (both clever players, one-two's, good running etc..) but Robbie has tended to work best with a big man. Long and Doyle have shown they can play a lone role or the target guy for Robbie. Hooper certainly isn't that, him and Stokes are two strikers quite similiar style and qualities that can cause twice the damage. I really want Stokes to get a chance in a few friendlies but realistically Im not sure how he would best be utilised in a Trap team.

On a side note - The Israeli, Kayal was immense again last night in the middle of the park. I fully expect him to be in the Premiership next year or certainly for Celtic to receive some serious offers which will need considering.

**geysir** · 07/04/2011, 12:44 PM

Samaras is certainly an enigma but has more ability and is more versatile than the Dutchman JVoH. Celtic need a player like him and Murphy doesn't cut it at this level.

I see there was an article in the Record about a sport's psychologist and his work with Stokes. It might be made up sh�te but I suspect it's not. Unless he has full permission from Anthony to discuss his personal issues in public I find that sort of thing to be an exercise in self promotion, violating confidentiality and the basic ethics of his profession.

**Stuttgart88** · 07/04/2011, 1:27 PM

Yep, bloody quacks, all of them.

Watching Stokes' goal last night put a thought in my mind. He took it really well, but he had that little bit of time that Conor Sammon used to get at Killie when scoring similar goals. I think in the few chances Sammon has had so far at Wigan he has shown he has less time. His efforts on goal have been decent but he needs to get used to that aspect, and get his shots away a fraction quicker.

**seanfhear** · 07/04/2011, 7:14 PM

Originally Posted by geysir

Some very nice bits of play here with young Stokes, from the game against Hibs.
Hooper and Stokes

Some nice play by Anthony there alright.

**TiocfaidhArmani** · 08/04/2011, 10:12 AM

Stokes' da has been arrested in a crackdown on so-called dissident republicans. Ammo was found in the shed out the back.

**paul_oshea** · 08/04/2011, 1:47 PM

Haha found it funny to see that your username reported this.

For activity relating to the Real IRA and criminal gang

**Hibs4Ever** · 08/04/2011, 3:50 PM

http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/s...wn-500463.html

**Stuttgart88** · 08/04/2011, 4:14 PM

What a tool.

I'm sure Lizzie is gutted she can't buy a pint in Mr. Stokes' pub.

**geysir** · 08/04/2011, 6:38 PM

Huge search operation, 100 Gardai + dogs = just about zilch

No doubt a disguised strategy, to pretend they know nothing, have no intelligence, when in fact they are really cute hoors, with active wire taps, round the clock surveillance and a snitch on every corner, in the war against the long running drugs turf battles, murder and mayhem.

**gastric** · 08/04/2011, 8:46 PM

It seems there certainly is a political aspect to all of this. Don't think it will help young Anthony in his attempts to start against Rangers.

http://www.independent.ie/national-n...s-2614359.html

**geysir** · 09/04/2011, 8:48 AM

I didn't read the tabloids, which carry a lot of weight around this thread.
The IT doesn't name anybody who were arrested, which is the way it should be. Getting arrested under section 30 means nothing, unless there is a charge.
'The three people arrested - One of the men is a businessman. However, neither he nor the other two arrested people were the central targets.'

Anthony is living his young adult life playing professional football in another country.

**Stuttgart88** · 09/04/2011, 10:36 AM

The country whose head of state Mr. Stokes doesn't want to visit Ireland, or is it just that he doesn't want her to order a pint in his pub? Maybe he's just a misogynist?

This issue is certainly a PR embarrassment for Celtic and the player, particularly at this very sensitive time.

**paul_oshea** · 09/04/2011, 11:27 AM

the bullets found could be his own bullets though surely licensed for his rifle?unless the gards aren't aware of the location of his rifle and bullets or mores the point its meant to be in his house or whatever.