Celtic: Anthony Stokes expresses anger after being left out

Striker Anthony Stokes has expressed his frustration on social media at being left on the sidelines again by Celtic manager Ronny Deila.

Celtic face Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Sunday (12:15 GMT kick-off).

"Buzzing to be brought all the way up to Inverness with the team to sit in the stands today, lovely weather for it too," Stokes, 27, posted on Twitter.

The Republic of Ireland forward used an expletive as he insisted playing was more important to him than money.

"Who gives a f*** about wages when you're not playing! It's about playing and contributing, not picking up a wage," said Stokes.

The response from Celtic fans has been mixed, with some saying he should be in the team.

Others, however, have been critical of his timing, with some suggesting the nature of the post is the reason he finds himself out of Deila's line-up.

Responding to a tweet suggesting he is happy to pick up his wages, he said: "Obviously I am! You would too if you were doing double sessions every day, fit and ready to play."

Anthony Stokes last played for Celtic in a 3-1 win at Dundee United in August

Stokes, capped nine times by his country, was left out of the squad to face Inter Milan in February after what Deila described as a disciplinary matter following a trip by the player to his homeland.

The Celtic manager described it as "a small thing" that was dealt with internally.

Stokes went 12 games without scoring at the end of last season, his last goal for Celtic coming in a 4-1 win over St Mirren on 14 December, and he has only made two appearances this campaign.

He was a late substitute in a 2-0 win over Stjarnan in a Champions League qualifier and he has not featured since starting in a 3-1 win away to Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership on 22 August.

Deila bought Turkish striker Nadir Ciftci from Dundee United this summer to bolster his attacking options, but the £1.5m arrival has found himself relegated to the bench in recent weeks behind Leigh Griffiths.

Scotland striker Griffiths apologised for missed chances in Thursday's 2-1 home defeat by Ajax, a result that left the Scottish champions bottom of Europa League Group A and unable to qualify for the next stage.

Celtic can go seven points clear of Aberdeen at the top of the Premiership table should they defeat Inverness Caledonian Thistle.