Canny Keane fired Stokes

ROY KEANE has accused Gordon Strachan of holding a gun to Anthony Stokes’ head over the collapse of his move to Celtic.

Sunderland manager Keane reckons the Black Cats won the race for the free-scoring Ireland U21 striker because they didn’t “threaten him’’ to force a quick decision.

Keane also appeared to aim his barb at Charlton boss Alan Pardew after Sunderland snapped up 18-year-old Stokes at the 11th hour in a deal worth up to £2m.

The Arsenal starlet scored a phenomenal 16 goals in 18 games while on loan at Falkirk to trigger a three-way tug-of-war.

Celtic fan Stokes had talks with Hoops boss Strachan and seemed destined for Parkhead.

But the move failed to materialise and he agreed to join Premiership strugglers Charlton before a change of heart after Keane’s dramatic late intervention.

Keane said: “Sometimes, it’s very hard for a young player, especially when they are being put under certain pressures by certain people.

“People are always looking to criticise players for changing their minds, but managers do it every bloody day of the week — and chairman do it.

“I do believe the lad was put under extreme pressure from one or two people, and they should have a good look at themselves.

“Ultimately, that’s why I think he came to us. I’ve got a pretty good idea what was going on, but obviously I’m not going to go into too much detail.

“When I spoke with Anthony, we said from day one that whatever decision he made we wished him well. I think he appreciated that — we didn’t threaten him.

“We just said, ‘If you have any second thoughts, you have the number. Have a few days to think about it’. Another two or three days won’t make a difference to a player over a career of 15 or 20 years. That worked in our favour.’’

Keane admitted: “On Saturday I was told he wasn’t coming to us — that’s when I started getting doubts!

“But we had another phone call and another chat. It’s very straightforward, isn’t it? There’s no magic formula. I didn’t go driving through the night for him.

“He’s from Dublin and I’m from Cork and they’re not usually the best of relationships! But I think the whole package here obviously helps.”

Stokes, who was on trial at Sunderland in August when chairman Niall Quinn was acting manager, said: “Roy Keane told me where he saw the club going and where he saw me going, but he never put pressure on me and that was one thing I liked about him.

“It’s been hectic because everyone was on to me saying, ‘Can we get a signature as soon as possible?’ It’s just what happens when someone is trying to sign you. But Roy was very good. He rang me once and said, ‘Take your time — take as long as you want.’ He was a big hero of mine — I think he’s a big hero all over the country — and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“I didn’t come here because of him personally, but it’s obviously a bit of a factor. It was his plans for the club and the plans he had for me which kind of made the decision for me.

“I want to play regular first-team football and I think I’ve given myself a much better chance by coming here.

“I was given the option of going back to Arsenal, it was left up to me but I think this is the right place for me and I’m happy with the decision.

“I know a few of the Irish lads here. I was up here for a week last year and I got to know one or two of them. I’ve played with Billy Dennehy at Under-18s and Under-19s with the Irish teams. I don’t think I’ll find it too hard to settle in.

“I wasn’t disappointed when things didn’t work out here the first time. It was an experience and I learned from it.’’

Stokes’ only appearance for Arsenal was at Sunderland in the Carling Cup last season, but he said: “I wouldn’t say I played — I was only one two or three minutes.

“But the atmosphere was good and that’s the one thing I remember about the night. The fans were great. It’s a great stadium when it’s packed like it was then, and hopefully I’ll get the chance to play there soon.

“If you’re looking to develop as a young player I think Arsenal is one of the best places in the world to be because of the style of football they play, but I have no regrets.’’

Stokes enjoyed his spell at Falkirk, adding: “It was good in Scotland, they were a great bunch of lads and the manager there was brilliant to me. I enjoyed every minute of it, and I scored a few goals as well.

“It was tough up in the SPL. People say the SPL is a lower standard, but if you’re scoring goals it doesn’t matter.’’ Keane added: “I saw Anthony for Falkirk against Celtic and another game at home. I don’t think he played particularly well on the two nights I saw him.

“But I liked the runs he was making and the way he used the ball. There were a few things that made me think he could play for Sunderland.

“Potentially, we’ve paid £2m, but it’s like anything else. If you want a nice meal, you have to pay the money.

“I don’t want to pay what we’ve paid down for Anthony — £1m — then 500,000 grand to get something you’re not quite happy about. We’ve paid £1m. What would you get for £1m these days?

“But no player is guaranteed a place here. Anthony is 18 and we shouldn’t expect one player to win us promotion — but hopefully he’ll play a big part in it.’’

Stokes is in line to make his debut at home to Ipswich on Saturday as Sunderland, three points off a play-off place, look to close on the Championship pacesetters.

Keane stressed: “The major tests are over the next three or four months. It’s crunch time coming up now and hopefully the players are ready for it.’’