Hibs hopeful of having Anthony Stokes for Falkirk clash

HIBS boss Alan Stubbs is hopeful of having striker Anthony Stokes signed in time to face Falkirk on Sunday.

Anthony Stokes has yet to agree terms on a loan move to Hibs

The Easter Road club and Celtic have agreed a deal for Stokes to rejoin his former team on loan until the end of the season – but the striker himself has yet to finalise terms.

The Hibees faced competition from Ladbrokes Premiership outfits Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Dundee United – plus a host of English clubs – to secure the services of the 27-year-old but it now looks increasingly likely he’ll join up with Stubbs’ side.

The Hibees travel to Falkirk this weekend in a crucial Championship match and Stubbs is hoping Stokes – who has fallen out of favour under Parkhead boss Ronny Deila – will line up against the Bairns.

“We are hoping to conclude the deal as quickly as possible,” said Stubbs. “We are hopeful.”

“We are a top-flight club playing in the Championship.

“We understand Celtic’s wishes, but I think the fact that we have got some very competitive games in this division and our aspirations are very high and, if we can get Anthony across the line, then he certainly brings a lot of quality.”