O’Neill plans to assess Stokes

Martin O’Neill has spoken to Celtic’s Anthony Stokes about the court appearance he faces in Dublin on October 10, the eve of Ireland’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar, on October 11.

Stokes, pictured, was yesterday named in the provisional Irish squad for the upcoming Euro qualifiers, and O’Neill said he plans to speak to the player again to assess his state of mind closer to the day.

“If it’s something that’s going to be playing on his mind at that stage, and football is far from something he’s thinking about, of course I will consider that and I will speak to him about it.

“I have spoken to him about the case (but) I haven’t spoken to Anthony to divulge what he said to me. I don’t think it’d be right without him saying it. It’s a pretty important case.”

In July, Stokes was sent forward for trial, accused of assaulting a man in a Dublin nightclub in June of last year.