Stokes admits to missing the Old Firm drama ahead of Dons opener

Celtic striker Anthony Stokes has admitted that his team will miss having to contest an Old Firm game this season but stressed that they won't be complacent when it comes to defending their title.

The Irishman was speaking at ahead of his side's opening league home game to Aberdeen on Saturday.

It's tough to win any game, they're obvisouly big games when we played against them but every game is tough. It's not east winning games and it will be exactly the same this year.

It's not easy winning games week in week out and obvisouly we will miss it a little bit of course we will but we've got Europe and hopefully we'll try and have a good run in that.

"We're putting Europe to the back of our minds to try and get through tomorrow first and try and get a good result."

Stokes, who is currently struggling with an ankle injury, said he was wary of a resugent Aberdeen side who have made some strong moves in the summer transfer market.

The Dons have brought in Johnny Hayes from Inverness and Niall McGinn, who swapped Parkhead for a chance at regular football at Pittodrie.

Stokes added he was looking forward to playing against his good friend and former team mate.

He said: "They've made some good signings and I think every team is going to be dangerous this year. A lot of the team's will be stepping up this year.

"Niall is a good friend of mine and I think he'll do very well for them this year - but hopefully not tomorrow."

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