JOHN COLLINS believes a loan move to Inverness Caley Thistle will prove beneficial to Anthony Stokes.
John Hughes, the Highlanders’ boss, is a close friend of the Celtic No.2 and wants to take the frozen-out striker to the Scottish Cup holders for the rest of the season.
Collins said: “There are a number of clubs interesting in taking him on loan, so he will go out on loan.
“He wants to go out and play matches and we think that is a good idea, as well. He will go out, but we don’t know where.
“He won’t be forced to go somewhere he doesn’t want to go. That is not possible and it wouldn’t do anybody any favours.
“But I am sure he will have his own opinion about where he wants to go and we won’t stand in his way.
“There is always a way back, always, for every player. But he has competition for places here and there are other players fighting in the wider areas – Stuart Armstrong, Gary Mackay-Steven, Kris Commons, Callum McGregor and James Forrest.
“There are a lot of disappointed boys week in, week out and Stokesy has been one of them. You have to earn the right to get the jersey and when you get it, you need to cherish it.”
Collins believes Inverness would be a perfect location for Stokes to relaunch his career.
Ronny Deila’s assistant boss added: “He has got to go somewhere where he knows he is going to play because there is no point in going somewhere to sit on the bench.
“It has to be a club where he is more or less guaranteed a starting place to get up his match fitness.
“Stokesy has a lot of talent, but he has to get game time. He hasn’t had it with us and he needs it.
“It is up to him to go somewhere, get his game time, get his head down, get refocused on his football and thinking about football only.
“Yogi put him on the map at Falkirk and ignited his career and then when he was back at Hibs he reignited his career.
“It has proved in the past to be a good combination and they have been good for each other. It would be a good club for him. They play a very similar style of football to us and they would be good for him.
“Yogi is always nipping my ear. Let’s just say there have been one or two phone calls.
“I can understand why Yogi wants Stokesy.”
*Get a FREE copy of the brilliant TOTAL LARSSON DVD when you order The Winds of Change from CQNBookstore.com – click on image below to order.
Click Here for Comments >
