Stokes talks up Celtic’s fine run

Republic of Ireland striker Anthony Stokes has described the importance of Celtic’s 17-game unbeaten run in the Scottish Premiership as “massive” as the champions prepare for the trip to Inverness tomorrow.

Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk’s wonderful solo goal against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park proved enough to leave the Hoops 11 points clear of second-placed Motherwell and firmly on course to retain the title. Manager Neil Lennon has been keen to dampen down the possibility of going the whole league season unbeaten.

However, Stokes, 25, became the latest Hoops player to talk up the run which has become the focus of attention since the Parkhead side’s European hopes ended when they finished bottom of their Champions League group.