ANTHONY STOKES has joked he will consider retiring if he nabs a goal against Scotland at Celtic Park tonight.

The Hoops striker is in the Republic of Ireland squad for the crucial Euro 2016 qualifying match against Gordon Strachan's side.

And with plenty of banter flying about with his fellow-Celts who will feature for Scotland, he is desperate to have the last laugh.

Stokes said: "I've been lucky enough to play for my boyhood team at Celtic Park, so to also represent my country there would be a moment I would never forget.

"I might just retire afterwards if I score!

"But I'm more worried about trying to get a win out of the game.

"There has been a bit of banter among the lads. It's obviously a bit of a strange one, with all of us playing at Celtic Park on opposite sides.

"But it's going to be a great occasion and everyone is looking forward to it."

There has been some debate ahead of the game about the venue being a home-from-home for many of the Irish players. But Stokes expects it will simply add to the occasion.

He added: "A few of our boys such as Aiden McGeady, Martin O'Neill, Roy Keane and Robbie Keane have played here before or have some affiliation with Celtic.

"So there will be a couple of us who will feel a bit more at home."

And, referring to the Republic's boss O'Neill, he told the Celtic View: "It will be a great experience for the gaffer.

"He will always be remembered as a great Celtic manager and he is now doing a phenomenal job with Ireland.

"It will be a special night for him, but the only thing he'll be worried about will be getting the points."