FOR some, the war is over, the battle to retain the high ground in the SPL championship won.

But, for Anthony Stokes, the real fight is only just beginning.

Neil Lennon has today thrown down the gauntlet to the contract-seeking striker to use the final five SPL games and maximum two Scottish Cup ties to trigger the offer of a new deal.

So while the majority of players and fans will view the remaining league games as merely housework which requires to be tidied up before they can take receipt once again of the SPL championship trophy, Stokes has been left in no doubt these games mean much more to him.

The Hoops can cut the 24-year-old loose from his current contract this summer, or utilise the 12-month option they hold.

Selling the Republic of Ireland striker is another avenue they could travel.

But it is the final option, tying him down for another three or four years, which is what the player and Lennon would like to see happen.

The manager has made it clear the ball is very much in Stokes' court, and that it is up to him to use the remaining matches as a platform on which to state his case.

Lennon will offer him the chance to shine. The rest is up to the Republic of Ireland international.

The upside for the manager is he can be assured that, while some others may be subconsciously winding down in the closing five SPL games after an exhausting season, he will have at least one man bursting a gut as they seek to secure a League and Cup double.

"It will be important for Stokesy to keep going," said Lennon.

"He will be playing in these games. He has missed a large chunk of the season, and I think he wants to play anyway.

"He is looking very fit at the minute. So it is maybe good to give some of the others a rest and let him play."

Between games, the manager will be happy to continue the discussions with Stokes which have already established he wants to stay and that the manager wants to give him the chance to do just that.

However, whatever words are used, it is actions on the field which will determine what ultimately happens.

Basically, it is down to Stokes, and Lennon insisted: "He knows that. We have had the odd chat here and there.

"He has played well at home. Against Dundee United when we won 6-2, he got a couple. Then, against Dundee, when we won 5-0, he did well.

"He tailed off for a couple games after that, but he was a lot better on Saturday."

Chief Executive Peter Lawwell will handle the formal contract discussions if and when they get to the stage when Stokes' representatives get involved.

Lennon has been happy to get the ball rolling, though he explained holding informal chats has been the extent of his role.

"That's as far as it has got to at the minute," he said, before adding the all-import caveat: "The rest is up to Stokesy.

"He has got to keep playing at that level. I don't want him to dip again.

"But sometimes, after an injury, a player's form can to and fro.

"I am hoping he can find a vein of consistency now."

There were glimpses of the Stokes of old during Saturday's 3-0 win over Hibs, the club who sold him to Celtic for £1.2million in the summer of 2010.

The ankle injury sustained in the friendly against Inter Milan at the start of this season could not have happened at a worse time for a man chasing a new deal.

STOKES spent six months in rehab, finally re-emerging in January looking stronger, but lacking that all-important match-sharpness.

Only games will bring that back to the level required, and Lennon hopes a sustained run in the side will facilitate that.

This is no compassionate gesture, however. The manager knows a fit and firing Stokes offers much to his team, and that, having a goal to aim for in terms of a new deal will ensure he is giving his very best every week.

His link-up play with Gary Hooper and Kris Commons was a major reason why Hibs were put to the sword at the weekend, a result which took Celtic to within a point of retaining their title.

It is a triumvirate which can cause the best teams problems, and Lennon is delighted to see the three-point attacking force back in harness.

He said: "It's just consistency with them. When they are on form and in the mood, they are very good. They were good on Saturday.

"I thought Stokesy's work rate was terrific. His all-round game was a lot better than it has been in previous games.

"Gary looked really bright. His touch and his link-up deserved a goal, really. The two of them did, in fact.

"But we had not beaten Hibs this season so, to get that one out of the way was nice.

"That put us 15 clear again in the title race, and I am very pleased."

Finding the net at Celtic Park has come easily to whichever XI Lennon has selected since the mid-season break.

IN fact, they have rattled in 30 goals in the seven SPL games played at home since they got back from the sunshine of the Costa del Sol.

Little wonder Lennon has been left purring at their home strike rate.

He said: "That's been true recently, but it's not always been the case this season.

"Earlier on, we lost a couple of games at Celtic Park when we didn't score [against Kilmarnock and Inverness].

"But since the mid-season break, we have been absolutely sensational at home, and it was another very good performance on Saturday.

"Particularly at home, the players can't give a lot more than they are giving at the minute.

"Our away form has dipped a bit compared to what it was in the first two-thirds of the season when it was excellent.

"Now, if we can just find that little ingredient again, away from home, we will be fine."