Rotherham United manager Alan Stubbs has acknowledged that he will face fierce competition in the race to try to sign Celtic striker Anthony Stokes.

Stokes is expected to be handed a free transfer by the Scottish Premiership champions, despite scoring nine goals during a four-month loan spell under Stubbs at Hibernian.

Stubbs has suggested that he is interested in a reunion with the 27-year-old but he admits that he will not be the only manager who is interested in the attacker, who has experience playing on both sides of the border.

The 44-year-old is quoted by the Daily Record as saying: "I wouldn't rule out an interest in Anthony Stokes but we wouldn't be on our own. There will be a number of clubs interested him, particularly if it's a free transfer.

"I know him from his time at Hibs and at Celtic. Obviously, it doesn't hurt that I have a good relationship with him already."

Stubbs was recently appointed as the new boss of the Millers after two years in Scotland with Hibs.