Anthony Stokes arrives in Edinburgh to complete Hibs move

Anthony Stokes has arrived in Edinburgh as he closes in on a return to Hibs.

The former Celtic frontman touched down at Edinburgh Airport just before midday, where he was met by agent Paul Hughes.

The Ireland international was whisked away for talks with Easter Road chiefs but is expected to undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on a two-year deal.

Stokes - a free agent after being released by Blackburn last month - is returning to familiar surroundings following his two previous stints in Leith.

His first 12-month stay came after he made a £500,000 switch from Sunderland in August 2009 and saw him net 24 goals in just under 50 appearances.

That prolific strike rate won him a move to Parkhead but after five-and-a-half years in Glasgow he returned to Edinburgh in January last year, helping Hibs end their 114-year wait to lift the Scottish Cup with a brace in their historic Hampden victory over Rangers.

However, the 29-year-old turned down the chance to stay on at Easter Road as he took up the deal on offer at Ewood Park last summer.

But his career nosedived following his Rovers move and Stokes was released after registering just four starts for the SkyBet Championship outfit, with boss Tony Mowbray raising concerns about the strikers' personal issues''.

However, Hibs boss Neil Lennon has already stated he believes he can help Stokes rediscover his best form.

Speaking last week, Lennon - who managed Stokes at Celtic - said: I'm trying to bring him in because I think he's a good player. He's won championships, he's won cups and I think his best performances have come when he's played in Scotland whether it be here, Falkirk or Celtic.

So it's an environment that he's very comfortable in and can prosper in.

I can't comment on his personal issues but the majority of those issues are resolved and behind him now.

It's important that he gets back playing football. He's 29 now. He has a bit to prove to people but I believe he has qualities that will enhance us.

If we can get the deal done then great, if we can't we move on.

But I do think his best years came under me at Celtic so I think that will certainly work in my favour.'