Anthony Stokes has always been something of a firebrand since signing for Sunderland under a blaze of hype last season. 13 goals in 13 games for Falkirk made for fine reading when the then 18-year-old was coaxed from under the noses of Celtic and Charlton after he was offered three times his wages at Arsenal to join Roy’s Revolution up north.

He made an immediate impact crossing superbly for Connolly to score in on his debut. From then on in Anthony seemingly ‘went through the motions’ to coin a Keane term, and rarely contributed with goals or assists for the side. He drew further bad press when he was left behind the away trip to Barnsley after arriving late with two fellow players. Comparisons with notorious piss head Sean Thornton were naturally drawn and a shining light once so promising in Wenger’s famed youth system seemed to be flickering in the wind.

He managed a goal in the title clinching drubbing of Luton on the last day of the season and showed the potential that suggested he was perhaps ready for life in the Premier League. Once in the Premier though, Anthony has found himself in and out of the side sporadically and when he does play being utilized out of position on the right wing. Despite snatching a late, late winner against Derby at the SOL and subsequent celebratory booze-up in the city centre’s Glass Spider haunt, Roy Keane made reference to Anthony’s frequent nocturnal activities and Thornton style overindulgence. Anthony was thus banned by the publicity seeking nightspot after Roy’s jibe and frozen out of the side. A triumphant return to the team against Portsmouth saw a glimmer, and touches of, Anthony’s obvious class. That day it seemed everyone, the fans, the manager and the players, were all on the same page willing one another on to glory. It was in this environment a galvanized and seemingly inspired Stokes shone.

In conclusion, I believe Anthony is certainly an unpolished diamond. Love him or hate him, Stokes is always spoken of with great passion from the fans desperate not to see another squandered talent at their club, which has produced so many. With time and, vitally, patience of the fans Stokes could well reach his boundless potential. Currently though Anthony is seemingly lacking the dedication, preparation and application that made a once rough around the edges Roy Keane one of the best footballers of his generation. Like Thornton, he seems the kind of player whom is in great need of a reassuring arm around the shoulder and encouragement and with the fans backing he could reach the heights we all hope he and Sunderland can reach. At the same time though, Anthony strikes as the kind of young lad who would succumb to the trappings that come with being a modern day Premier League footballer.

The SOL hierarchy are obviously desperate for Stokes to succeed not only for the benefit of the club but country as well and if anyone can get the lad on the straight and narrow, focused on his game and enjoying the fruits of his talent, it’s Roy Keane. Perhaps it’s time for the fans to do the same.

Danny Gray