Stokes could go on loan to Inverness

Celtic striker Anthony Stokes is being sought after by Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who are keen to take him on loan, according to STV.

Cally boss John Hughes worked with Stokes at Falkirk and Hibernian and is apparently keen on the idea of bringing the 27-year-old to the Caledonian Stadium until the end of the season.

Stokes has been frozen out at Celtic this season and was recently punished for breaching the club’s social media rules after sending out the following two tweets.

Despite being an important player at times for Celtic since his arrival in 2010, it seems he has fallen out of favour with Deila – even though the depth of Celtic’s forward line consists of Nadir Ciftci and Carlton Cole.

Stokes, who has been capped nine times by the Republic of Ireland still has hopes of making the Irish squad for the upcoming European Championships in France, but he’d realistically need to be playing regular football to be considered by Martin O’Neill.

Stokes would be free to join Cally on loan now that Ryan Christie has returned to Celtic Park, as SPL clubs can only loan one player from another SPL side, so Christie’s return frees up a potential opening for the Irish striker.