Inverness boss John Hughes hoping for Anthony Stokes reunion
Inverness manager John Hughes is relishing the prospect of a potential reunion with ``maverick'' striker Anthony Stokes after making a move for the Celtic player.
Inverness manager John Hughes is relishing the prospect of a potential reunion with maverick'' striker Anthony Stokes after making a move for the Celtic player.
Hughes is eager to take Stokes on loan with the Republic of Ireland international completely out of favour at Parkhead.
The 27-year-old has only played twice this season and was suspended for two weeks after airing his frustrations on social media last month.
Hughes, who has extended Miles Storey's loan deal from Swindon, said: I've known Stokesy since he was a young lad. I brought him from Arsenal up to Falkirk and he was a revelation. There are slight comparisons with Miles and I'd get excited if we can partner these two up front.
We've made an enquiry but a number of teams have made an enquiry.
I'm still friendly with Stokesy and I'm just hoping if Celtic decide to let him out on loan to a Scottish club, then hopefully he will come back and work with his old gaffer, because we have had a great rapport and a great relationship.''
Stokes made his name during a loan spell under Hughes, when he hit 16 goals in 18 games, and then won his move to Celtic after hitting 24 goals in a year after the pair were reunited at Hibernian.
He has always scored goals for me so I know how to get the best out of him and control him,'' Hughes said.
It is a challenge, he's a loveable rogue, he's a maverick and I'm quite sure if he was to come he would test my patience. But I could handle that, he's a lovely, lovely lad and a real talented footballer.''
Storey, meanwhile, will remain in the Highlands until the end of the campaign after the 22-year-old struck eight goals in 16 games following his loan move from Swindon.
He's brought an energy at the top end of the pitch, he's got great pace and he's scoring goals,'' Hughes said.
He has settled very, very quickly and we're delighted we have got the business done so early in the window. That will settle him down and hopefully he will have a better second half of the campaign than the first, and I'm quite sure that will be the case.''
Hughes is keen to do more business but will have to balance the books.
One or two might be leaving,'' he said.Dani Lopez is very close to moving on. We have to duck and dive.
It's not quite done yet and if it doesn't happen then we're delighted. Dani's football ability is not in question, in fact he's possibly one of the best footballers at the club.
But we need more pace and he's up against Miles. If he wants to go back to Spain with his family then so be it and that might help us get one or two in.''
One player definitely leaving Inverness is Tobi Sho-Silva, who has gone back to Charlton after being restricted to five substitute appearances during his loan spell.