Celtic manager Neil Lennon has issued Anthony Stokes with a challenge of reaching the 20-goal mark this season.

The striker, who scored a hat-trick against St Johnstone last weekend, has found the back of the net 12 times so far this campaign.

"Anthony is playing very well, over the last four or five games his all-round game has been impressive," Lennon is quoted as saying by the Irish Herald. "He deserved his hat-trick [last weekend] but is probably disappointed by his goal return so far but there are plenty of games left for him to reach 20 goals.

"He's on 12 now and I've been really pleased by his overall performances more than anything else. Although he is only 25 he is one of the old guard at the club, he's been around for a few seasons and I need him to help settle some of the newer players into the club.

"He dovetailed really well with Leigh Griffiths at the weekend, they both showed great energy, tremendous work rate and produced goals."

Stokes has made over 100 appearances for the Hoops since joining the club in 2010.