Anthony Stokes waits on the Lennon verdict

Anthony Stokes is hoping that he gets on the right side of Neil Lennon’s selection dilemma at Ibrox today.

Last month at Ibrox the former Hibs striker was left on the bench as Georgios Samaras gave a flawless performance as sole striker to give Celtic a 2-0 win over Rangers at Ibrox.

Stokes heads to Ibrox today having scored in his last six matches- but unsure if Lennon will pick him from the start.

The return to fitness of Samaras has given Lennon another attacking option despite the freescoring form of Stokes and Gary Hooper.

“It was disappointing to be dropped for the last game at Ibrox,” Stokes admitted. “I was hoping to play but Georgios Samaras came in that day and the gaffer made the right call.

“He’s there to make the decisions and got that one right because it worked out well for the team with Sami scoring two goals.

“At the minute I’m playing well enough and the team are flying so I’m confident I can do a job if I get my chance.

“This time I just need to play my game and not worry about the occasion. I would have liked to have settled straight into my first Old Firm game. I don’t know what it was that day – it could have just been a bad day at the office.

“I was a bit wound up but you just have to relax and play your football. At the minute I’m playing well and scoring goals. I’m going to treat it like any other game if I get the nod to play.”

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Stokes’ recent scoring run has co-incided with Gary Hooper’s return to action.

It’s a long time since Celtic had a scoring double-act with Stokes excited by the prospect of playing alongside the former Scunthorpe striker.

“As soon as Gary came in I realised he was very good on the ball and a striker who makes good runs” Stokes admitted.

“The two of us are quite similar in some ways. We just have an understanding – you gel with certain players.

“It has been going well since I got myself back in the team but Hoops coming back from injury has been a big help because I’d played a few games up front on my own.

“The most important thing is that we’re winning games but I’m enjoying my run of form. I want to keep scoring.

“This cup game is vital. We’re expected to win every league game and we also have the mentality that we want to win as many trophies as possible.

“We have some tough games coming up over the next few weeks, including an Old Firm game in the SPL. If we beat Rangers it will give us a huge lift psychologically.”

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Anthony Stokes to score at anytime- 7/4

Gary Hooper to score at anytime- 7/4

Georgios Samaras to score at anytime- 7/4

What’s he worth- Gary Hooper

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