Stokes: It was time to move on

Anthony Stokes feels joining Sunderland is the biggest decision of his career to date.

The teenage striker plumped for a permanent move to the Championship side ahead of Charlton Athletic and Celtic earlier this week.

Stokes has joined in a £2million move from Arsenal, after scoring 16 goals whilst on loan at Falkirk in the first half of the season.

He acknowledged it was a tough decision to make, but is happy to have agreed a three-and-a-half year contract at The Stadium of Light.

"It was very difficult, it was probably the biggest decision of my career so far," said Stokes in a press conference on Sky Sports News.

"I'm delighted with everything and I was happy with everything they had to say.

"It's a great club and I hope to do as well as I can."

Having made just one senior appearance for Arsenal, coincidentally as a late substitute against Sunderland, the Irishman admitted that he had made his mind up to move on prior to the start of the season.

Stokes added: "Really just in the last few months before I went to Falkirk, I thought I was better off to try and get first-team football.

"I went and done that, and from there things have developed and I've ended up here, which I'm very happy with.

"I'm delighted to be here."