LIVINGSTON did Celtic a favour as they deservedly earned a point against Rangers last week and now they are eyeing up a move for former Celtic striker Anthony Stokes to replace Lyndon Dykes. The Irishman has been without a club since leaving Iranian side Persepolis this year but the 32-year-old is well thought of by Gary Holt, who looks to bolster his front line.
Holt told STV Sport that he is keen on Stokes as he thinks he will work well with the club.
“He’s another one that’s on the radar. I like what he brings, I like his qualities.
“Being honest, he’s probably someone we might not have got in the past. But there’s an opportunity and we will have a look at it.
“Hopefully we will have a chat with him and we’ll take it from there. But it’s not done and dusted.
“We have been liaising back and forward with his representatives and dealing with that side of things first and foremost.”
Stokes refused to return to Iran due to the Coronavirus pandemic in February but his agent managed to get him out of his contract early from the Tehran club. Now, he looks set for a return to Scottish football. Holt could be the man to bring him back to Scottish football and rates his qualities highly.
“The boy’s got qualities that will enhance us and that’s what we want. I think everybody knows how we work, how everyone buys into it and puts an honest shift in.
“I know what he can bring and I think he can enhance us if it comes to fruition but there is nothing signed and sealed.”
Stokes was one half of the lethal striking partnership with Gary Hooper from 2010-2013 under Neil Lennon.
Stokes scored 76 goals in 191 appearances, winning four league titles, two Scottish Cups and one league cup during his time with the Scottish Champions. Brendan Rodgers’ arrival resulted in Stokes’ release in May 2016, weeks after he helped Hibs win the Scottish Cup. His off-field antics often shadowed his talent and after a nomadic few years ranging from Turkey, Greece and Iran, Stokes can settle with Livi. Stokes has over 130 goals in Scottish football and would be a good acquisition by the West Lothian side.
