Hibernian have unveiled new signing Anthony Stokes after the striker's loan deal from Celtic was finalised.

The Irishman has fallen out of favour with Ronny Deila this season and has been a target for several clubs both north and south of the border.

He has opted to return to his former club on a six-month loan deal in search for regular football, and will strengthen Hibs' squad in their fight for promotion back to the Scottish Premiership.

The Easter Road side currently sit third in the Championship, equal on points with second place Falkirk and five behind league leaders Rangers.

Head coach Alan Stubbs says the signing sends a message to how serious their title challenge is.

"The impact he can make could be huge," he said. "He's a real quality signing and the ambitions of the football club to bring him in speaks volumes.

"I have to thank the chairman, Leeann [Dempster] and the supporters for helping us be able to do this deal, they deserve a lot of credit.

"We're all in this together, our ambitions are all on the same page and it's a really exciting signing."

Stokes rejected offers from Dundee United and Inverness Caledonian Thistle as well as three English sides in favour of a move back to Easter Road.

The 27-year-old scored 22 goals for the Leith men during his first spell at the club in the 2009/10 season.