Anthony Stokes (F free agent b.1988)

**tetsujin1979** · 27/10/2009, 1:32 PM

Originally Posted by Junior

Yep nice piece of skill alright. He needs to kick on this season and consistently produce - No reason why he couldnt be pushing for a squad place then.

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.

**Junior** · 27/10/2009, 3:33 PM

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.

Exactly my point. Though 4 goals in 10 is not to be sniffed at. He would need to perform over the course of the season to warrant any squad place.

When would the next friendlies be - In February?

That would give everyone another 3-4 months of football to get noticed and like you say, Stokes is already on Traps radar.

Just to confirm I have seen very little of him - so Im not suggesting that he should/should not be in the squad now or in the future.

**EastTerracer** · 19/12/2009, 2:49 PM

Stokesie scores again for Hibs today.

**Junior** · 19/12/2009, 8:12 PM

Yep scored a brace. first was a well taken finish, second was a tap in from close range.

Thats 6 SPL goals and a LC goal this season. 16 league games gone so far not sure how many appearances hes had. If he can keep up this form till March, Id like to see him feature in the friendly squad around that time.

**drummerboy** · 20/12/2009, 9:11 AM

He is still young enough to improve. Hopefully his attitude will improve as he matures.

**johnboyle37** · 23/12/2009, 7:08 PM

here here. lets hope he ups the ante and knuckles down and has a great season and puts himself back on the radar. certainly has plenty of talent

**SUB of the day** · 27/12/2009, 11:12 AM

Great goal from Stokes to give HIBS the lead V Rangers.Sky really built him up in pre-match.

**pavillion.road** · 27/12/2009, 11:27 AM

Very well taken goal too. His first touch is very impressive. Good game this!

**tetsujin1979** · 27/12/2009, 2:45 PM

fastest SPL goal ever according to Sky Sports

**Colbert Report** · 27/12/2009, 3:11 PM

It should be noted that his team went on to get hammered 4-1.

**Razors left peg** · 27/12/2009, 3:18 PM

Originally Posted by Colbert Report

It should be noted that his team went on to get hammered 4-1.

what has that got to do with anything

**Colbert Report** · 27/12/2009, 3:21 PM

Who cares if he scored a goal when his team lost four one? Poor player on a poor team.

**Razors left peg** · 27/12/2009, 3:23 PM

Originally Posted by Colbert Report

Who cares if he scored a goal when his team lost four one? Poor player on a poor team.

you really are my least favorite poster on this forum

**Colbert Report** · 27/12/2009, 3:28 PM

OK, thanks. Let's keep the discussion in this thread to Anthony Stokes.

**Acornvilla** · 27/12/2009, 3:45 PM

is colbert the new emmet?

**Colbert Report** · 27/12/2009, 3:53 PM

Originally Posted by Acornvilla

is colbert the new emmet?

You may refer to me as Mr. Report. Thank you.

**DmanDmythDledge** · 27/12/2009, 4:25 PM

Originally Posted by bellavistaman

Stokes will score loads in spl proven. Also proven he no where near a prem league player or irish international player!!

And what sort of level is a squad player for us? Exactly that you'll find for his position.

**Acornvilla** · 27/12/2009, 4:34 PM

stokes is certainly better than hunt or long thats for sure

**Razors left peg** · 27/12/2009, 4:48 PM

I just think writing off any player at the age of 20 or 21 is ridiculous. Fair enough things didnt work out for him at Sunderland but maybe he has learned from that and sorted his attitude out. Not every player is like Rooney or Fabregas and is a world superstar in their teens

Shay Given was released by Celtic, Im sure if this forum was going then there would have be those saying that he will never be good enough if Celtic decided he was crap.Young players develop differently as they get older, they dont all develop at the same rate or age