Sunderland’s Stokes doesn’t want to exit
8:50am Friday 5th September 2008
DESPITE a rise in the number of strikers at the Stadium of Light, Anthony Stokes has no intention of leaving and only has designs on forcing his way back into the Sunderland team.
While the transfer window closed on Monday night, Football League clubs will be able to recruit next week when rules allow emergency loan signings to be made.
Preston North End, Wolves and Sheffield United are three of the clubs repeatedly linked with a move for the young Irishman.
Sunderland manager Roy Keane remains one of the 20- year-old’s biggest supporters, although with at least four strikers ahead of him in the pecking order it would make sense for Stokes to gain more first team experience elsewhere.
Stokes, however, is entirely focused on working his way ahead of those in front of him and is confident he can force his way into Keane’s starting line-up in the next few weeks.
“To be honest, I haven’t really thought about going out on loan,” said Stokes. “The gaffer hasn’t said anything to me about any interest or asked me whether I want to go out, so it doesn’t really come into my head.
“I’m 100 per cent focused on trying to get into the Sunderland team and I won’t think about going out on loan unless the gaffer says something to me.
“He’s been really supportive since I joined the club so I want to pay him back by scoring goals for Sunderland. But I’m sure if the gaffer wants me to go out on loan he’ll let me know about it.”
Following the arrivals of Djibril Cisse, David Healy and El-Hadji Diouf over the last six weeks, Stokes’ chances of playing in his preferred striker role have taken a knock.
The £2m signing from Arsenal 21 months ago emerged from the bench in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last Sunday as a winger, a role he has been afforded more than any other since the turn of the year.
But if Stokes is to avoid being sent out on loan over the next few weeks then Keane will have to hand him further chances to shine – Sunday was his first appearance of the season.
“The competition is very high at Sunderland – higher than it’s ever been since I joined,” said Stokes. “We’ve got one or two strikers in now who have proven track records in the Premier League and are regular internationals so it makes it all that bit tougher for me.
“But it’s good for all of us that they’ve come in and raised the level that we’re expected to get to.
“The aim is to get back in the team and of course I think that’s possible.
“I’ve been in all of the squads so far and I came on against Manchester City so the manager still sees me as someone whose in his plans.
Hopefully I will get a run out in the Premier League.”