Anthony Stokes has yet to sign the contract extension that was offered to him before the end of last season.

The Irish forward said his representatives and Celtic "have still to get there" after months of negotiations.

Gary Hooper's departure gives Stokes the opportunity to make himself the main striker at Parkhead.

And with a Champions League group stage game against AC Milan next week, the biggest stage of all will be waiting for Stokes to make an impression.

He missed the group stages last season due to injury and is keen to make up for lost time.

He said: "You want to be involved and contributing to the team but I have to say the lads were outstanding last year. If we can get anywhere near that standard this time I'm sure the gaffer will be happy enough.

"It's exciting but it is also going to be very tough. We will be in for a long 90 minutes but I think we'll take confidence from what happened last season."

The chance to come up against Italian bad-boy, Mario Balotelli also appeals to Stokes, who has had a few adverse headlines of his own to deal with during his time at Celtic.

"He's a bit of a character. Get the gaffer to sign him here and he'll take pressure off me," he joked.

"He is an unbelievable player. On form, he is unplayable. We are going to have to be at our best against him."

However, with Hearts looming this weekend, Stokes has maintained Milan will be put on the back burners.

He said: "We want to go to Tynecastle and get a good result because that will also give us confidence for Wednesday."