Stokes keen to commit to Celtic

ANTHONY STOKES has revealed he wants to commit his long-term future to Celtic.

The Irishman has 18 months left on his current deal with the club but is eager to sign a contract extension.

“I think everybody knows I am happy here,” he said.

“I am enjoying my football and I love playing for the club so I can’t see myself going anywhere in the foreseeable future.

“I still have another year or so left so we will see what happens.

“I would love to sign a new contract but the main focus this season is the league and everyone at the club is focusing on trying to win the league.”

With that goal in mind, Stokes recognised Gary Hooper’s importance if Celtic are to win the title for the first time in four years.

Southampton have made at least two attempts to approach Hooper with a reported third offer of £6 million that could test Celtic’s resolve again before the January transfer window closes.

Strike-partner Stokes admits it would be “massive” if Hooper stayed to help wrest the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title back from Rangers.

“You look at how well he has done since he came here. He has been outstanding,’’ Stokes said.

“He scored at Scunthorpe, he has come here and scored goals for fun and I think he would score goals at any level.”

Stokes admitted that what is good for him, is good for Hooper, and good for Celtic as well.

“He’s a top class player and I play reasonably well when we play together so I just hope he stays and fingers crossed that he can.

Stokes, 23, who recently celebrated the birth of his son Bobby continued, “I can’t talk about what the club are going to do but from a personal point of view I would like to think they will do everything they can to hold onto him and I’m sure they will.

“He hasn’t said anything to me about it but I get the impression that he is happy here, he is enjoying football.

“All I know he is a top class player, he is very young and he is only going to get better.”

Meanwhile the Bhoys have announced the signing of Nigerian midfielder Rabiu Ibrahim subject to a successful work permit application.

The 20-year-old will join the Parkhead side on a three-and-a-half year deal after impressing while on trial with the Hoops.

The playmaker earned the move after making a good impact in a practice match against St Johnstone when he played 60 minutes of the 3-2 victory.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon said: “We have been very impressed by Rabiu.

“In my view he is a highly talented and exciting young player and someone who will be a tremendous addition to our squad. He is a playmaker, well balanced and a very intelligent footballer. We are really looking forward to him joining us.”