Shamrock Rovers pondering contract offer for former Ireland striker Anthony Stokes

Stokes (32) has been without a club since he quit Scottish outfit Livingston last August before he had a chance to play for the side.

The former Celtic man has attracted interest from clubs in Turkey and Scotland, as well as lower-league teams in England.

But a move to Dublin, for family reasons, could also attract the former Shelbourne man. He has been linked with a move to Rovers before, but this is the closest he has come to sealing a deal after being asked to play in a behind-closed-doors trial game against Cabinteely at Tallaght Stadium last night.

New signing Richie Towell, who officially becomes a Rovers player on July 1, was also due to play.

Since he quit Hibs in 2018, Stokes has had stints with clubs in Greece, Iran (twice), Turkey and Scotland. His time at Iranian side Persepolis was cut short last year due to Covid-19 issues. A subsequent move to Livingston did not work out and he left three weeks after signing.

Rovers manager Stephen Bradley knows Stokes from their time together at Arsenal, but Bradley would need to be convinced of the player’s fitness after a 16-month break since his last competitive game, which means a contract offer is not guaranteed.

Meanwhile, Ireland international Leanne Kiernan says she’s excited by her future prospects with Liverpool after the Reds made her their first summer signing. Manager Matt Beard worked with Cavan native Kiernan at West Ham and has brought her to Liverpool.

“I just can’t wait to get back out there on the pitch with my new team-mates and settle in with my new family here at Liverpool,” Kiernan said. “The club is a great name and it definitely has great ambition. I really enjoyed the phone call with Beardie. It grabbed me towards Liverpool. It’s just an exciting time to be here.”