INVERNESS manager John Hughes believes he can get Anthony Stokes to Euro 2016 by giving him a "kick up the backside" should the out-of-favour Celtic striker join the Highland club.
Caley Thistle have enquired about taking the Republic of Ireland international on loan and Hughes, who has worked with Stokes twice before, has urged him to ignore interest from elsewhere. Stokes is free to leave Parkhead on loan and, having got the best out of him at Falkirk and Hibernian, Hughes wants a third crack at managing the 27-year-old.
Speaking after his side's goalless draw with fourth-tier Stirling in the William Hill Scottish Cup fourth round, Hughes said: "We have made contact with Celtic and I think ourselves and Celtic believe it's the best thing for him to work with me again.
"I will keep my eye on him in Inverness and I can get him going again. That's what we are all thinking is best for him. But I think he might be thinking about his options now he can go on loan - no Stokesy, the best place is to be playing and scoring goals in the Premiership.
"It could get him into the Republic of Ireland's European Championship squad. He needs a kick up the backside. He needs to be playing football and that's what we are offering him."
The Inverness manager could have done with Stokes on Saturday as the Scottish Cup holders suffered a frustrating 0-0 draw at Stirling. Chances were few and far between, with Danny Williams having the best opportunity for the the visitors.
While delighted to still be in the cup, Binos boss Stuart McLaren was annoyed his team had not applied themselves as well in their last two league games, which both ended in defeats.
He said: "It can be frustrating when we've had performances that lead to the results we've had in the last two league games because we know the lads are capable of so much more. They proved that with the run they went on leading up to that.
"It was good to have that change of focus this week. We said that before the game."
