Anthony Stokes rejects Celtic contract offer

Striker Anthony Stokes has rejected the offer of a new contract from Scottish Premier League champions Celtic, manager Neil Lennon has said.

The 24-year-old, who is out of contract, spent much of last season on the sidelines but returned to the starting lineup in the spring, scoring the winning goal in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Dundee United.

Lennon said that an offer had been turned down but that negotiations would continue.

He said: "We have already made him an offer - he has knocked that back, but negotiations will be ongoing.

"We really saw the best of him towards the end of the season. He looks physically in the best shape he has been in."

Stokes had said last month that he was "confident" of a new deal at Parkhead.