Anthony Stokes has dropped a strong hint on twitter that he’ll remain a Celtic player.
Talks about a new deal for the striker broke down at the end of the season with the player’s contract ending on June 30.
Celtic have an option to extend that deal by 12 months but a new contract would be beneficial for all parties.
Stokes returned to Lennoxtown for pre-season training last Thursday and after a light hearted exchange on twitter is clearly in no mood to move on.
Hoops fan @davidkemp1 asked: “@stoksey10 u better no leave I don’t want to be the bawbag way stokes 10 on his shirt n ur gone.”
The striker wasted no time in replying with: “@daviekemp1 haha you’ll be alright!”
Despite failing to agree to a new deal with the striker Neil Lennon is a big fan of Stokes and described his display against Hibs in the Scottish Cup Final as his best in a Celtic shirt.
“We really saw the best of him towards the end of the season,” the Celtic boss said. “He looks physically in the best shape he has been in.
“He was such a pivotal player for us towards the end of the season and his cup final performance was absolutely fantastic.
“The opportunity is there for him to go and make a good career for himself. He is very important to me.”
With Gary Hooper looking increasingly likely to be on the move Lennon will be keen to get Stokes onto a new improved contract.
Amido Balde has already been signed from Vitoria Guimaraes but ensuring that a tried and tested SPL scorer like Stokes is tied up onto a new deal will be one of Lennon’s priorities when he returns to Lennoxtown tomorrow.
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I’ve always said it if stokesy got the same game time and chances that hooper gets he would score more goals, great player and we should be breaking our necks trying to get him signed instead of dilly dallying around hooper who can’t wait to leave HH
I agree proven SPL goal scorer… give him the play’n time and he will lead the league!! Hail Hail Stokesy!!
Stokes I hope stays, nowhere as prolific as hooper but very good player. Gets raw deal from the media
I believe stokes is our best striker . He creates goals from nowhere like John Hartson used to do for us .And what a provider. hoopers going .As long as stokes is here well be ok. H.H
He better stay tae fuck outa Dublin for a while. I hear the Jordanaires are gonnae give hkm a doing for hitting the king
I and the king better stay out of Glasgow
I think Anthony should stay he has been one of our better players A great goal scorer Give a hundreds percent every game He needs more playing time Hail Hail
Stokesy, its your call, the club want you to stay, the fans want you to stay