Stokes fired up for Celtic goal challenge
September 06, 2010 15:22:38 UK
New Celtic striker Anthony Stokes is determined to maintain his fine goal scoring form for his new club, starting this weekend against Hearts.
The 22-year-old, signed on transfer deadline day from Hearts' Edinburgh rivals Hibernian in a reported £1.2million deal, scored 22 goals in 40 appearances last season and knows what Bhoys' manager Neil Lennon wants.
Stokes, who scored twice against Hearts last season, is hoping to hit the target in his first appearance for Celtic, if he can convince Lennon he should be selected ahead of his rivals for a forward place.
"The gaffer just wants goals," Stokes said on Celtic's official website, www.celticfc.net.
"He just said to me to do what I did at Hibs, stay in the box and get on the end of things, and it's up to me to put him in a position where I have to play.
"I know that at a club like Celtic there's competition all over the pitch.
"It's down to me to do well in training and force the gaffer into a decision."
Celtic can be backed at 1.36 to pick up the three points this weekend, with Hearts at 8.50 and the draw 4.75.
Stokes picked up a booking for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s against Switzerland last Friday, meaning he will be suspended for the clash with Turkey tomorrow.
The Republic of Ireland are currently 6.50 for the win with Turkey 1.50 and the draw 4.00.
The striker can now focus on Saturday's clash with Hearts at Parkhead as Celtic seek a fourth straight league win.
"I've been watching Celtic this season and obviously it has been very disappointing in Europe but three wins so far and three clean sheets in the league, it couldn't really have gone much better," added Stokes.
"The international break has been good in a way because it gave me another match to get fit for the Hearts game, but I would rather be going straight into training.
"I know the main thing for me is to keep my head down, work my socks off and get myself in the team, and I'm sure the goals will take care of themselves after that."
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