Deila: Stokes must improve discipline to stay at Celtic

Anthony Stokes must improve his discipline if he wants to have any future at Celtic insists manager Ronny Deila.

The Norwegian has spoken out about the polarised Irishman and said he must have the fight to break back into the first-team. Stokes has made just two appearances this season, including 90 minutes against Dundee United.

His only other appearance came against Stjarnan in the first leg of their Champions league qualifier.

At 27 years of age, the striker has fallen out of the pecking order at Celtic despite his skill and talent because of a lack of discipline.

As quoted by the Glasgow Evening Times, Deila says he must follow the example set by another Hoops striker – Leigh Griffiths.

There are some of the same issues as Leigh. It’s about discipline and consistency in what he is doing. It’s never an issue of skill with Stokesy, it’s about getting the best out of himself.

Then we need discipline with him over time. It’s not an attitude problem, it’s a discipline thing he has to do over time and we need to see some improvement.

Deila knows that it isn’t easy to do, but Stokes must apply himself in order to have a future at Celtic.

It’s tough competition but he is still at the club. He is an alternative on the wings and as a striker. He trains but he has to show he is better than the others.

In recent times Deila has opted to use Stokes as a winger rather than a striker and it’s clear he doesn’t see him as the answer up front when he has reached out to free agent Carlton Cole.

It’s been a tough time for Stokes, who once led the line alongside Gary Hooper under Neil Lennon and has 76 goals to his name in a Celtic shirt.