ON-LOAN Celt Anthony Stokes scored on his return to Hibs in their 3-1 victory over St Mirren at Easter Road.
The game was balanced at 2-1 when the Republic of Ireland striker struck in the final minute to wrap up the points for Alan Stubbs’ team.
Stokes, who hadn’t figured for Ronny Deila’s side since the 3-1 victory over Dundee United in August, came on as a substitute in the 71st minute and claimed his first goal since scoring against the same opposition for the Hoops in December 2014.
The frontman, on loan until the end of the season, said: “It was good to be back playing and it’s always good to start with a goal.
“I was delighted with the reception and I have to say thanks to the fans for welcoming me back. I’ve settled right in and it’s been a great start for me.
“I know the quality of the players here because I have played alongside five or six of them – that was half the reason for coming here.”
Stubbs said: “You’ve got to be in the right places to score goals and Stokesy has come on and had two opportunities.
“One was cleared off the line and he scored with the other. That’s Anthony!
“I thought he did okay, but there’s plenty more to come. His ability is not in question and it never has been.
“We know he can score goals and it’s up to us to provide the opportunities.”
Midfielder Liam Henderson, also on loan from Celtic, got on the scoresheet with an exquisite 25-yard free-kick which left keeper Jamie Langfield helpless in the 10th minute.
Stubbs added: “It was a wonderful goal from Liam. That was a great start for us and gave us the impetus to go on and secure a vital win.”
The Edinburgh side are only two points off the pace in the race for promotion to the Premiership.
Meanwhile down south 3 ex-Celts provided the backbone of a Southampton side that picked up all three points at Manchester United. Fraser Forster, Virgil Van Dijk and Victor Wanyama all played at Old Trafford in the 1-0 victory which had the United fans booing at the end.
Imagine a Celtic side playing down there.
