There was a time when Anthony Stokes and Roy Keane could barely stay in each other’s company.
Times change and tonight the striker from Dublin and coach from Cork will team up as an exciting era in Irish football dawns under the guidance of Martin O’Neill.
Sunderland is an experience both men are keen to put behind them with Stokes sent out on loan to Sheffield United and Crystal Palace without much success before being sold to Hibs.
This season has seen a transformation in Stokes’ career with Noel King restoring his international career with a new Celtic contract matching his status at the club as a starter in the Champions League.
Working with Keane again could have been an issue for some players but Stokes’ new found maturity and love for the green jersey ensures that the ashes of the past are forgotten.
I’m a different person and a different player and I’m sure Roy has probably changed the way he conducts himself around players as well,” the Celtic striker told the Irish Independent.
“I’ve always had the utmost respect for him. Anything that happened at Sunderland, 90pc was my problem, my fault. I hold nothing against him and I don’t think he’s the type of character that holds too many grudges.
“I think you can see that with him coming back to work here with the FAI.”
In 2007 Stokes move to Sunderland was a complicated affair with Celtic tugging on his heart strings after starring for Falkirk while on loan from Arsenal.
A deal to join Celtic seemed on the cards with Stokes revealing that it was only the presence of Keane that took him to Sunderland.
“At one stage, I had more or less told him (Keane) I was going to a different club,” Stokes added. “But I listened to what he said and rang him one night to say I was going to Sunderland the next day because I had changed my mind.”
Fifty thousand fans are expected at the Aviva Stadium tonight for the friendly with Latvia as the players take centre stage following an incredible week of media attention based around O’Neill and Keane.
Although All my interest will be watching Scott, Charlie, James and the Bhoys at at Hampden tonight, all the best to Martin and the Irish, good LUCK TO ALL Celts.
Definitely.