Anthony Stokes could earn a new Celtic contract after announcing his return to form with two goals as Celtic hammered Dundee United 6-2 at Parkhead on Saturday.

Stokes, whose deal expires in the summer, has struggled for fitness this season and was in hot water at his club after attending a memorial for murdered Real IRA member Alan Ryan.

Now boss Neil Lennon has told Stokes he can earn a new deal if he performs on the pitch between now and May.

Lennon said, “It’s up to Anthony. If he keeps playing like that it’s not a difficult decision. I have always liked him and he’s an important player.

“He’s a goal scorer. There are aspects of his game he needs to improve on, but if he puts his mind to it Anthony can be a very good player and he showed that on Saturday.”

Stokes is just happy to be playing after four months out with an ankle injury.

He said, “I want to make up for a bit of lost time this season, score as many goals as I can and have an impact on the team. I know I need to perform in training and when I get the time on the pitch.

“It’s the usual thing the manager wants from me – goals. And to perform as well as I can.”