Anthony Stokes says Owen Coyle's enthusiasm was key in his decision to join Blackburn

Republic of Ireland striker Anthony Stokes decided to join Blackburn because he was impressed by manager Owen Coyle..

The 27-year-old, who signed for Celtic in August 2010, still had a year remaining on his contract with the Scottish Champions, but was released at the start of June.

Stokes spent the final four months of last season on loan at Scottish Championship club Hibernian, where he had previously scored 22 goals during the 2009/10 campaign.

Although Hibs missed out on promotion, Stokes played a starring role in helping the club to a first Scottish Cup success in 114 years.

The Irishman netted twice as Hibernian secured a 3-2 victory with a stoppage-time goal from skipper David Gray in a thrilling match at Hampden.

Stokes was involved with Arsenal at youth level and has further experience of English football having played for Sunderland, as well as spending time on loan with Sheffield United and Crystal Palace, and he revealed he opted to make the move due to the enthusiasm of new Rovers boss Owen Coyle.

"I said before I get a feeling for surroundings and obviously I want to play for a manager who believes in me and gives me that bit of confidence," said Stokes, who signed a three-year deal on Friday.

"After I had a chat with him for half-an-hour, 45 minutes, I just felt that it was the right place for me.

"And if you just look at the facilities as well, you look around the place, the stadium, it's a massive club and hopefully we can produce the goods this year on the pitch and have a successful season.

Coyle is pleased to have persuaded the Irishman to join Rovers and he reckons Stokes has much to offer given his previous experience.

The former St Johnstone boss has kept tabs on his new arrival since Stokes made an impact during a loan season at Falkirk nine years ago where he scored 14 goals.

"I always liked his quality of play, I watched him for many, many years," said Coyle.

"He started at Arsenal, I think whole of Britain wanted to sign him, he had a huge pedigree, and obviously from Sunderland he played with Falkirk and Hibernian in Scotland, Glasgow Celtic bought him for over £1m and he was outstanding at Glasgow Celtic.

"So having watched him over the years and suddenly he becomes available, we did everything in our power to bring him to Blackburn Rovers, huge competition I've got to say for his signature, but we are delighted to get him here.

"He's a wonderful goalscorer, he has a little edge to him, and I think he has a point to prove as well, I think he wants to show everybody in England how good a player he is and that's good enough for me."