Stokes ready for senior call

Anthony Stokes is ready to answer the call of Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni tonight following a stunning display last night for the U-21s.

Hibernian striker Stokes was the star of new U-21 manager Noel King's first game in charge as Ireland crushed Estonia 5-0 in a European Championship group two qualifier at Tallaght Stadium.

Stokes scored both first-half goals before setting up the third and fifth for midfielders James McCarthy and Owen Garvan from Wigan and Crystal Palace and having a hand in a deflected fourth from Everton defender Seamus Coleman.

The 22-year-old, along with Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan, will now link up with the seniors for tonight's prestigious friendly with Argentina at the new Aviva Stadium.

"If I get a run-out I'll be ready, but it's up to the manager," said Stokes, who only has three senior caps to his name despite a number of previous call-ups.

"I couldn't have done much more if I was to catch the eye, so it's always nice to score a few goals, to be involved and to go forward because that's what people remember.

"It's great just to be in the squad anyway. You always want to be involved with your country.

"When you get called into the first team, you can only do your best in games like this and then hope you get the call-up.

"After that it's down to the gaffer whether he wants to give you a run or not, so fingers crossed one of these days I'll get the nod.

"This game would be great to play in as it's in the new stadium, against one of the best teams in the world, and the atmosphere will be good."

With just two matches remaining for Stokes at U-21 level, in Switzerland and Turkey next month, he can at least sense he will be leaving the team in good hands.

Stokes often failed to see eye to eye with former boss Don Givens and was often overlooked.

But his display last night was an indicator as to what the team has missed in his absence as his appearance was his first in a campaign which had seen Ireland lose three and draw four of seven games.

"I've been very impressed with him. He's been very good with all the lads," said Stokes of King.

"The training has been high tempo, but nothing mad - not two or three-hour sessions.

"As a fella, I've spoken to him personally on two or three occasions, and he seems very good.

"For Noel coming in, it's a great start for him and a great start looking ahead to the next campaign."