Celtic striker Anthony Stokes returns to former club Hibernian on loan

Anthony Stokes has re-joined Hibernian on loan from Celtic until the end of the season.

The 27-year-old striker played for the Edinburgh side between 2009 and 2010, when his tally of 24 goals in 48 matches earned him a move to Parkhead.

Now Stokes has returned to Easter Road in search of first-team football, having only appeared for Celtic twice this campaign.

Hibs head coach Alan Stubbs said: Anthony is a fantastic footballer and will really strengthen the squad.

We have a number of options in attack and real competition for places which is what every manager wants.

We are excited about Anthony coming here and I think he will prove to be a real asset.''

Stokes last featured for Ronny Deila's team in August and was forced to apologise after sending an ill-judged tweet when left in the stands at Inverness last month.

Despite his lack of action, the Celtic manager says the striker can still play his way back into his plans if he can rediscover his form elsewhere.

A lot of clubs have been in contact who want to have Stokesy on their team,'' Deila said.

We will see what Anthony wants and what is best for the club. He is happy to go out on loan. He wants to get some games under his belt.

It's important for everybody he finds himself, gets some good performances and can then perform for Celtic again.

Does he still have a Celtic future? Yeah, everybody has that.

He has a contract with the club and Stokesy knows the things he has to take care of.

Hopefully he will get a good run of games, score some goals and get back in good confidence and the best shape he can be in.''

Hibs currently sit third in the Championship, five points behind leaders Rangers.