Stokes starts cup final for Celtic
The Irish striker was left on the bench for both of last season’s cup finals but is included in Neil Lennon’s starting XI at Hampden.
Stokes has scored in Celtic’s last two matches, at Aberdeen and Dundee United, and partners Gary Hooper in attack as Celtic attempt to win the first trophy of the season.
In six domestic cup ties this season Stokes has scored seven goals including a double against Falkirk in the League Cup semi-final.
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Geogios Samaras starts the match on the bench with Joe Ledley playing wide on the left, Scott Brown partnering Victor Wanyama in centre midfield and James Forrest on the right.
In defence Kelvin Wilson returns to the side to partner Thomas Rogne with Adam Matthews and Charlie Mulgrew at full back in front of Fraser Forster.
Korean duo Cha Du-Ri and Ki Sung Yeung join Samaras on the bench alongwith Kris Commons and Lucasz Zaluska.
CELTIC: Forster; Matthews, Wilson, Rogne, Mulgrew; Forrest, Brown, Wanyama, Ledley: Stokes, Hooper
SUBS Zaluska, Ca, Ki, Commons, Samaras
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KILMARNOCK: Bell, Fowler, Nelson, Sissoko, Gordon, Kelly, Buijs, Shiels, Hay, Harkins, Heffereman
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