NEIL Lennon believes he can be the man to get the best out of Anthony Stokes as he looks to bring the Irishman back to Hibs.

Rovers and Stokes reached an agreement on the final two years of his contract at Ewood Park which saw him leave the club with immediate effect.

Stokes is now free to join another club, with former clubs Hibs the most likely destination having chased his signature since January.

The 29-year-old enjoyed two spells at Easter Road, helping them to lift the Scottish Cup in 2016, but his best football arguably came under Lennon at Celtic.

He scored 76 goals in a six year spell at Celtic Park, before moving to Ewood where things didn’t work out.

But Lennon believes Stokes’ personal issues which blighted his spell at Rovers, including a suspended jail sentence in February for an assault in 2013, are behind him.

“I’m trying to bring him in because I think he’s a good player,” said Lennon. “It’s an environment he’s very comfortable in and can prosper in.

“I can’t comment on his personal issues but the majority of those issues are resolved and behind him now.

“It’s important that he gets back playing football. He’s 29 now. He has a bit to prove to people but I believe he has qualities that will enhance us.

“I do think his best years came under me at Celtic so I think that will certainly work in my favour.”