Celtic striker Anthony Stokes has rejected Dundee United and Inverness CT to join Hibernian on loan.

Dundee United and Celtic had reached agreement on a loan deal for Stokes, but United boss Mixu Paatelainen said that despite the agreement the 27-year-old could go elsewhere, with Hibernian also interested in acquiring his services.

The Republic of Ireland striker has fallen out of favour with  Ronny Deila and has agreed to return to his former club for the rest of the season.

Anthony Stokes in action for Hibernian back in 2010. Image: Lynne Cameron / PA Archive/PA Images

Stokes, who has nine Ireland caps, has made just two appearances in all competitions so far this season.

The move comes just under five months before Ireland get their Euro 2016 adventure underway against Sweden.

The managerial duo of Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane opted for Shane Long, Jonathan Walters and Daryl Murphy as their attacking options during the qualifying campaign.

Stokes will look to reestablish himself with regular first team football in the hopes of getting to the championships.