Celtic deny McGeady bid but pave way for Stokes exit

Assistant manager John Collins has confirmed that the Irish striker will go on loan.

The out-of-favour goalscorer has only featured twice this season for the Scottish champions with Leigh Griffiths and Nadir Ciftci being preferred ahead of him.

JC: "There are a number of clubs interested in him".

Celtic tweeted the comments from their official account, saying "Stokesy will probably go on loan somewhere".

"The manager and him have decided it would be good for him to go and get some game time".

"The preference would be in the top league against top defenders, it would be better for him and better for us".

Despite boasting an impressive record for the Bhoys since his move in 2010, the 27-year-old has struggled for game-time this season, with only two appearances in all competitions under his belt.

Hughes knows Stokes comes with baggage but believes he is the man to keep him in check, although it is still unclear whether Deila will let him go.

"There are a number of clubs interested, I'm not going to tell you who, but there is".

"He has to go away, score goals and play well, that is what football is all about".

"His attitude lately in training has been very good".

"But he needs games, he's had a few reserve games for us but that's not enough of a challenge for somebody with Stoksey's ability so he needs first-team football".