Anthony Stokes wants to inflict pain on old foes Hearts

Anthony Stokes is hoping for a goalscoring debut for Celtic against old foes Hearts at Parkhead tomorrow.

The former Hibernian striker struck twice against the Gorgie men last season to help him become the Easter Road club's top scorer.

He scored in a 1-1 home draw and a penalty in a 2-1 defeat to their Edinburgh rivals at the same venue later in the season.

And the 22-year-old striker is looking for another goal against the Tynecastle men if he is given his first opportunity in a Hoops shirt by boss Neil Lennon.

He said: "The Hearts games were brilliant, there was always a great atmosphere and the lads were well up for it.

"I've been lucky enough to score a few goals against them so hopefully I can get a few more. I don't think I'm going to get a good reception (from the Hearts fans) but that's part and parcel of football."

The international break has delayed Stokes' first appearance for his boyhood heroes but the waiting has just made the Irishman keener to get started.

"It has dragged out a little but it has given me time to get to know the lads.? The training has been brilliant, lots of games and ball work."

Stokes is looking forward to renewing his partnership with fellow Irishman and former Sunderland team-mate, Daryl Murphy, who scored his first goal for the Hoops from the spot in a 1-0 victory at Motherwell before the international break.