In-form striker Stokes ready to lead Celtic
Irish striker eager to build on free-scoring start to season despite arrival of Teemu Pukki
Celtic striker Anthony Stokes admits he needs to keep producing quality performances on the pitch to keep his place in the Parkhead club's starting line-up.
The Hoops hitman has started the season in fine form, netting three goals in the opening four league games including a late winner in Celtic's last run-out against Dundee United.
However, Finnish striker Teemu Pukki has since arrived at the Glasgow giants on transfer deadline day from Schalke 04 to increase the attacking options at Celtic Park and Stokes knows that he must maintain high standards to preserve his place in Lennon's starting 11, beginning with today's trip to Tynecastle to take on Hearts.
"Normally I have done alright at the start of the season," the Irish international said.
"In the last couple of years I have done well in the first couple of games and I just need to try and maintain it now.
"We have some other players coming in and have competition up front, so everyone needs to be on top form to keep their place in the side.
"At a club like this there is always that bit of pressure as there are always four or five players competing, especially up front, for two places. Since I have come here, it's been the same."
Celtic will be without Mikael Lustig for the trip to Tynecastle after he picked up an injury on international duty.
It's a huge week for the Glasgow giants as they face Hearts before travelling to Italy to open their Champions League campaign against AC Milan.
However, even with a crucial European clash on the horizon Hearts manager Gary Locke doesn't expect Celtic's concentration levels to drop.
"I don't think they will have their guard down in any way," said Locke, whose side sit bottom of the Premiership as they try to eat into a 15-point deduction handed down for going into administration.
"We're playing against the champions who have a team full of international stars. It is a great test for our young players."
