Irish striker Stokes expected to sign for Charlton

Irish teenager Anthony Stokes is very close to signing a deal with Charlton Athletic, according to reports in Glasgow last night.

However Charlton do face late competition from Roy Keane’s Sunderland, who is reportedly confident of snatching his fellow Irishman away from the Premiership side.

Meanwhile Stokes turned down Celtic, who were 4-1 Scottish Cup winners over Dumbarton.

The Arsenal striker had completed a successful loan spell with Scottish Premiership side Falkirk.

Celtic boss, Gordon Strachan said he was interested in signing the 19-year-old.

“We offered him the chance to come here, but he has chosen to go to Charlton. You win some and lose some,” he said.

"People want to come here and win championships, play in Europe at the highest level, play in front of 60,000 people and play with good players with the chance of making yourself a legendary figure," continued Strachan.

"If you feel you can get that elsewhere then fair enough."