Anthony Stokes is hoping the Celtic manager Neil Lennon hands him a start in this Sunday's League Cup final.

The Hoops take on Kilmarnock at Hampden Park on Sunday and the Irish striker is looking to be involved after failing to play any minutes in last season's loss to Rangers before starting on the bench in the Scottish Cup win over Motherwell.

"I didn't start the two finals last season but I don't look back on them as bad moments. "It's great for the team to be in these games. We were in contention for the league as well and I was just delighted to be part of it all," Stokes said.

"I'd scored quite a few goals - I wasn't outstanding in every game or anything like that but I'd played reasonably well.

"You just have to work hard in training to show the manager you're sharp and ready.

"If you're on the bench you have to focus on trying to make an impact if you get on.

"We're all delighted to be in another cup final, but on a personal level I'm hoping I'm going to be playing this time."

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