Anthony Stokes extends Celtic contract

Republic of Ireland striker Anthony Stokes has signed a new three-year contract with Celtic.

Stokes has been a key player for Celtic after returning from a lengthy injury lay-off towards the end of last season and contract negotiations have been protracted.

But the club announced on their official Twitter feed on Tuesday afternoon: “Celtic are delighted to announce that Anthony Stokes has today signed a new three-year contract with the club.”

Stokes was man of the match in Celtic’s 3-0 Scottish Cup final victory over Hibernian in May and his all-round play has improved in recent months.

The 25-year-old has scored five goals this season and created the goal that sent Celtic into the Champions League group stages when his quick feet and composure allowed him to set up James Forrest to hit an injury-time strike against Shakhter Karagandy.

With Gary Hooper having departed for Norwich, Stokes has been the central figure up front for Celtic this season and manager Neil Lennon was eager to secure his future after he hinted he might speak to other clubs in January.

The former Arsenal, Sunderland and Hibernian striker recently won a recall to the Republic of Ireland squad following the exit of Giovanni Trapattoni, who he had fallen out of favour with, and played in their final two World Cup qualifiers.

Stokes has scored 52 goals in 121 appearances since arriving from Easter Road in August 2010.