Republic of Ireland's Anthony Stokes has confirmed his next destination following the termination of his contract at Hibernian in Celtic.
Said to be lacking in "professionalism" by his manager at Hibs, Neil Lennon, Stokes has opted for the unusual move of turning his attention to a club far away from his familiar haunts in England and Scotland.
Greece's Apollon Smyrni will be Stokes' latest club. Joining on the club on a deal that will see him see out the rest of the season in the Greek Superleague, it will be the eighth club the 29-year-old has represented in his fairly nomadic career.
Ex-Hibs and Celtic striker Anthony Stokes agrees deal with Greek clubhttps://t.co/1Mz8LMOp68 pic.twitter.com/6nak6lDt8a
— Edinburgh Evening News Sport (@edinburghsport) February 9, 2018
Having represented Ireland 9 times across a seven year spell, questions over Stokes' ability have rarely been as forthcoming as concerns regarding his attitude.
Deemed to have undermined Lennon's criteria for what was expected of a player in his squad, the former Northern Irish international had the following to say of Stokes' parting with Hibernian for the third time:
For every player, it is the same premise: it is your livelihood and what you are paid to do and you have to act accordingly.
Sacrifices have to be made and there has to be a dedication to your game.
We have all had to do that and sometimes players cross the line and that's understandable, but sometimes they cross the line too many times and they have to be responsible for their actions.
How Stokes will adapt to life in a foreign league remains to be seen. Undoubtedly, if he were to play as he has been known to be capable, there would be no shortage of offers for the Dubliner's services when his contract concludes in Greece.
Apollon Smyrni currently sit 14th in a table of 16 teams; five points ahead of bottom-placed Platanias.
