Soccer

Rotherham boss Alan Stubbs keen to sign Anthony Stokes

Anthony Stokes (right) pictured celebrating Scottish Cup success with David Gray could be on the way to Rotherham
Anthony Stokes (right) pictured celebrating Scottish Cup success with David Gray could be on the way to Rotherham Anthony Stokes (right) pictured celebrating Scottish Cup success with David Gray could be on the way to Rotherham

ALAN Stubbs is hoping to be reunited with Anthony Stokes this summer after confirming he is trying to bring the striker to Rotherham.

The 27-year-old worked with new Millers boss Stubbs while on loan at Hibernian last season, where he scored nine goals in 19 starts, and is now a free agent following his release from Celtic.

He leaves the club despite having a year left to run on his contract after falling out of favour under former boss Ronny Deila following a Twitter outburst, and new boss Brendan Rodgers sees no future for him.

Stubbs, who swapped Easter Road for the Sky Bet Championship side last week, got the best out of Stokes, who wrote himself into Hibs folklore with two goals in their William Hill Scottish Cup win over Rangers - their first triumph in the competition for 114 years.

And the Millers boss is hoping for a reunion, though admits there will be competition, especially now he is available on a free.

"I wouldn't rule out an interest in Anthony Stokes. But we wouldn't be on our own," he said.

"There will be a number of clubs interested him, particularly if it's a free transfer.

"I know him from his time at Hibs and at Celtic. Obviously, it doesn't hurt that I have a good relationship with him already.

"I like to have a good relationship with all my players. I talk to them before and after training. I have had a lot of players from Hibs ring or text me to wish me well since I moved to Rotherham."

Stokes joined the Scottish champions in 2010 and scored 77 goals in 192 appearances, but played just twice last season under Deila.

A club statement read: "Celtic Football Club today confirmed that Anthony Stokes is leaving the club.

"Anthony signed for Celtic in 2010 and made 192 appearances for the club, scoring 77 goals. He spent last season on loan to Hibernian FC.

"Everyone at Celtic would sincerely like to wish Anthony the very best of success for the future."

He made the headlines last December when he was suspended by the club for two weeks after taking to Twitter to complain at being omitted for the Hoops' game with Inverness.

He tweeted: "Buzzing to be brought all the way up to Inverness with the team to sit in the stands today, lovely weather for it too..."