Keane to let Stokes leave

Forward could be set for Stadium of Light exit

Last updated: 7th September 2008

Anthony Stokes Sunderland striker

Stokes: Possible loan

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Sunderland boss Roy Keane has admitted he could be set to let Irish forward Anthony Stokes leave the club.

The Black Cats have brought in the likes of Djibril Cisse, David Healy and El-Hadji Diouf to bolster their attacking options.

Now Stokes find himself down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light and Keane could be ready to let him leave on loan.

"It's something I might have to consider over the next weeks and months - if he doesn't force his way into my first-team," Keane told the Sunday Sun.

"I haven't spoken to Stokesy about it but perhaps he would benefit from going out and getting 10, 15 or 20 games somewhere.

"Loan deals are something that can sometimes benefit players and benefit clubs, so that's something we maybe need to look at."

Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds have been strongly linked, and Keane feels that Stokes is capable of playing in the Championship.

"He's more than good enough to play in the Championship, but if a big club like Leeds in League One came in, then that would be an option," he added.