Hibs boss hails Stokes after Ireland call-up

HIBS boss John Hughes today hailed striker Anthony Stokes' recall to the Republic of Ireland squad and declared: "You've yet to see the best of him."

Stokes, along with Easter Road team-mate Liam Miller, was bitterly disappointed to be left out of Giovanni Trapatoni's squad for this week's glamour friendly against Brazil.

But he was celebrating today after Celtic ace Robbie Keane pulled out of Wednesday's match at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium with a knee injury which he is thought to have aggravated during yesterday's defeat by Rangers.

After banging home his 17th goal of the season, an early penalty which was cancelled out by Liam Craig's late spot-kick for St Johnstone, the 21-year-old was told to join his international team-mates. And today Hughes said: "I'm delighted for him. Everyone forgets Stokes is still a young boy and although he has got 17 goals so far I still feel he has so much more to give in terms of his all-round game.

"His goal-scoring is not in question but in his hold up play, his linking up, moving the ball a bit quicker and his work ethic I believe there is more to come and we are working on it."

Meanwhile, Hibs kid Paul Hanlon has pulled out of Scotland's Under-21 European Championship qualifying match against Azerbaijan tomorrow night with a groin injury which prevented him facing Saints.

Hughes said: "Paul was struggling with a pelvic problem. He trained Thursday and Friday but it flared up and you could see he wasn't quite himself.

"He was checked over by the Scotland medical staff and will return to us today. Hopefully four or five days rest will help."

Hughes was also optimistic midfield star Kevin McBride will be fit to face Kilmarnock this week after taking a heavy head knock during the draw with Saints.