Inverness boss John Hughes eyes reunion with Celtic's Anthony Stokes
Friday 8 January 2016 11:25, UK
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 out of favour at Celtic Park.
The 27-year-old has only played twice this season and was suspended for two weeks after airing his frustrations on social media ahead of a game at Inverness 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 lovable 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."
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 heading south is Tobi Sho-Silva, who has gone back to Charlton Athletic after being restricted to five substitute appearances during his loan spell; he has since been released by the English Championship club.
