Stokes focused on football

Stokes: Aware of responsibilities

Anthony Stokes has insisted that Celtic's players are aware of their responsibilities ahead of the Co-operative Insurance Cup final against Rangers later this month.

Following the recent controversial Old Firm Scottish Cup fifth-round replay at Parkhead which ended with three visiting players sent off and Hoops manager Neil Lennon and Ibrox assistant Ally McCoist having to be separated, both clubs were invited to a summit at the request of Strathclyde Police chief constable Stephen House.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond hosted the meeting in Edinburgh on Tuesday which looked to provide answers to the problems of sectarianism and bad behaviour both on and off the field.

The possibility of police visiting the clubs before Old Firm fixtures to remind players of how to behave was discussed, but Stokes does not believe that will be necessary.

"To be fair, I don't think any of our players need reminding," said the Celtic striker, currently preparing for Sunday's Scottish Cup quarter-final tie at Inverness.

Frustration

"In the last game we had two or three yellow cards but I don't think there was anything out of order by our players.

"I think we understand the situation and as I said, I don't think any of our players were out of line.

"It was just frustration a little bit on their part and it is one of those things that happen.

"I think the whole situation has been blown out of proportion.

"Obviously the scenes on the sidelines weren't what you wanted to see, but with the rivalry and the tension and the things that go with it, sometimes these things happen.

"Hopefully it can be forgotten about because we are coming up against each other again before the end of the season and we want to focus on the football."