I think he's begining to mature a little even since the summer. When he drifted out of Celtic's team this season he got his head down and worked his way back into the team. A year ago I reckon he'd have handed in a request and have moved on. He was one of a couple of players that dragged Celtic back to a draw while 3-0 down against Kilmarnock. I believe he's developing a resilience and determination becoming of a professional footballer. To say Connolly, Heffernan and Daly are ahead of him in the pecking order is just facetious.Originally Posted by Eirambler
I have a feeling the 'tired' pullout from last summer was to do with family issues in the background. We all know well about his father and an unsavoury character as we might find his old man those issues would still effect him. I'd be willing to give him another chance in light of this.
Walters had been carrying a shoulder injury for the last 5 months of last season which got progressively worse, couldn't train but could play with painkillers. By the end of the season he had reached the end of his tether. Whatever the communication was about that or his failure to turn up, at least he was genuinely crocked.
so what if stokes didn't want to play at the end of last season, he's the one who lost out from the situation.
not that i'm holding any grudges against him but there are at least 6 good strikers ahead of him in the pecking order at the moment and it might be a long while before we see him in green again
Not even close. Stokes is a class above all those players.
I think Stokes will have to find a Premier League club to break into the Ireland squad. Like Poor Student said, he's the closest in style we have to Robbie but he needs to be playing at the same level. Players like Long and Best can show their class in the Championship/SPL but somebody like Stokes who doesn't offer so much around the field needs to do it at a higher level.
Why do you think he is a class above those players when he scored 4 or so goals in 61 games in England!!?
Euro 12 for him is academic as he will be "fatiqued" by the time the tournament comes round.
Forget about the performance or entertainment. It's only the result that matters.
Stokes versus Daly. Stokes has scored more goals than Daly despite being 5 years his junior. All the more remarkable that Stokes has only scored 4 goals in 61 games in England.
Stokes versus Heffernan. Stokes has a higher goals per game ratio than Heffernan. And is 6 years his junior. And Heffernan couldn't get his game with Sheffield Wednesday, whoever they are.
Stokes versus Connolly. Is that midget still playing?
haha good point, i wonder would he get a second wind if called upon in june of next year
Not that I'd have Connolly anywhere near the squad but he's playing at a higher level than Stokes and has 5 goals despite not starting every week.Stokes versus Daly. Stokes has scored more goals than Daly despite being 5 years his junior. All the more remarkable that Stokes has only scored 4 goals in 61 games in England.
Stokes versus Heffernan. Stokes has a higher goals per game ratio than Heffernan. And is 6 years his junior. And Heffernan couldn't get his game with Sheffield Wednesday, whoever they are.
Stokes versus Connolly. Is that midget still playing?
Anthony's thread has been dormant for while.
He has just scored a beauty for Celtic, a delicate lob from the left side of the box, over the usual 20 bodies, into the top corner.
Puts him ahead of Connolly for sure.
But behind Clinton Morrison, surely
Lovely finish from Stokes for the opener: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1MMJLoDpcM
15 GOALS from 28 APPS
Being so prolific in Scotland must be "tiring".
DID YOU NOTICE A SIGN OUTSIDE MY HOUSE...?
4 GOALS from 61 APPS while in England
Stats from 4-5 years ago are not the benchmark of a player now - surely?
I am no longer saying he should be in the squad (I have done previously) but I think his ability warrants him to be there or thereabouts for a squad place. Its his head that needs some work doing on it and puts him behind our regular squad strikers.
I thought you were off the drink Ronnie?
"No, I drink to help me mind my own business....can I get you one? (c) Ronnie Drew
Neil Lennon showing his support for our Anthony!
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/footba...nals_1_2130727
Lets see if Neil Lennon backs his own words and picks Stokes for the next Old Firm game.
Always look on the bright side of life
That's the thing, Lennon seems to leave Stokes out of a lot of the big games. Particularly last season, Stokes' father aggravating for a move away due to a lack of trust in the big ties.
Bit of a slip from Lennon here, or is it a personal touch?
I see young Jack McClean was picked from Sunderland and if Anthony keeps going in the same vein as he is going, I will be putting a call into the FAI and saying: ‘Look. I think this kid is worth another look
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