Hibs boss won't hesitate to use Stokes against Saints

Hughes admitted he wasn't surprised to have heard reports of the Glasgow outfit's interest in the 22-year-old given the 23 goals he scored for Hibs last season but he was adamant that in no way was it "a done deal".

And the Easter Road manager revealed Stokes was so focused on the trip to Paisley he'd had to separate him from a team-mate as they squared up to each other in training yesterday.

Having sold Marc-Antoine Fortune to West Bromwich Albion, Celtic boss Neil Lennon, who has already made ten signings this summer, is said to be desperate to add Stokes to his shopping list, describing the former Arsenal kid as "a player we like".

Lennon faces a race against time if he is to do so with the transfer window due to close at the end of the month but knows Celtic will be facing one of the game's toughest negotiators in Hibs chairman Rod Petrie if he is to realise that dream.

Today, while describing the timing of Celtic's interest as "disturbing", Hughes disclosed he himself is looking to strengthen his squad over the next few days with Stokes remaining firmly in his plans.

He said: "I am trying to build something at this club and we are trying to get another two or three in to the squad to help the group we have along as I still think we are a couple.

"The players I am seeking to bring in aren't quick fixes but players who would be here for two or three years, that's the kind of quality that I am looking for."

Hughes stressed any new signings – having already brought in Edwin de Graaf, Michael Hart and David Stephens in recent months - weren't dependent on Stokes going, Hibs under no financial pressure despite investing heavily in completing the redevelopment of Easter Road.

He said: "No-one scores the number of goals Stokesy has without attracting attention. He is certainly a talented football player who will only get better and will break into the full international squad for Ireland on a regular basis.

"I have spoken to the chairman and we do not know where this has come from. Everyone seems to be talking as if it is a done deal but that is miles from the truth."

As to Stokes' involvement tomorrow, Hughes said: "I've told him to stay focused on this game, to make sure he is mentally prepared and if he plays as he trained yesterday then there won't be a problem.

"He trained strong. There was a wee square-off in training, Stokesy was wanting to make sure his team won the game and I had to step in to split them up."

Hughes, of course, isn't naive enough to believe that nothing may happen regarding Stokes between now and Monday night but he insisted Hibs fans can rest assured the club's best interests will be looked after. "What happens, happens," he said, "If there is an interest, and I have heard there is, then Hibs are in good hands. That's all I can say."