FORMER SUNDERLAND AND Celtic striker Anthony Stokes has linked back up with ex-boss Neil Lennon, signing for Hibernian on a two year deal.
Stokes played for the club twice before, during the 2009/10 season and again on loan in 2016 in-between spells at Celtic and Blackburn Rovers.
“I am delighted to be coming back to Hibernian,” the player said speaking to the club’s website.
“The club has a big place in my heart and it’s where I’ve played some of my best football. It’s an environment that can get the best out of me and I am looking forward to getting back amongst the squad and scoring goals again.
Stokes became popular among Hibs supporters during his second spell when he scored twice in the 2016 Scottish Cup final.
The Edinburgh club beat Rangers 3-2, ending a 114 year wait for the trophy.
“The scenes of celebration following the cup win will live long in my memory, and the only disappointment from my last spell was that we didn’t get promotion,” Stokes added.
“The boys did brilliantly last season and now I’ll be looking to help us push on back in the Premiership.”
The forward completed a medical on Wednesday and will be reunited with manager Lennon, who originally brought Stokes to Park Head from Hibernian in August 2010.
“Anthony’s a quality player that we all know well, and will be a massive addition to our strike force,” said the Hibs boss.
“We now have competition in every area of the park and are ready for the start of the league campaign on Saturday.”
The 29-year-old scored 58 goals in 135 appearances for Celtic, winning four Scottish Premier League titles and two Scottish Cups under Lennon.
Yet to score following nine appearances for Ireland, his last international cap came three years ago in a friendly against the United States.
Stokes spent last season at Ewood Park where he scored three goals for Blackburn before agreeing to have his contract terminated in July.
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