Anthony Stokes is back where he will be well and truly appreciated.
Stokes revived his career in Scotland after failing to convince he was Premier League standard. This season, he returns north and will be reunited with his former boss at Celtic, Neil Lennon.
The Republic of Ireland striker has agreed a two-year deal with Hibernian, according to The Daily Record, and will complete the move if he passes his medical.
Stokes was a free agent after having his contract terminated by Blackburn Rovers last month. Hibs have therefore secured the return of a fan favourite for free and have bolstered their squad ahead of the new season.
This will be the 29-year-old’s third stint at the Easter Road club. He scored 22 goals in 40 games – in 2009/10 – after a £500,000 switch from Sunderland. He was loaned to Hibs from Celtic in 2016 and scored five goals in 14 outings as Alan Stubbs guided the club to the Scottish Cup.
The Dubliner was already well liked by Hibs fans but his brace in the Scottish Cup final – a 3-2 win over Rangers – sealed his place in club folklore.
Given the context of Stokes’ career, and where he found himself back in mid July, this is the best possible move for him. Hibernian were promoted to the Premiership last season and, under Lennon, will be hoping to push champions Celtic close in 2017/18.
Their league campaign kicks off against Partick Thistle on Saturday and, subject to league clearance and Stokes’ medical, the striker should be free to line out for his third spell with the club.
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