Former international Anthony Stokes joins Iranian side Tractor Sazi

Former Republic of Ireland international Anthony Stokes has joined Iranian Premier League side Tractor Sazi on a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old has been without a club since leaving Greek Super League club Apollon Smyrni earlier in the summer.

Nine-times-capped striker Stokes has enjoyed a journeyman career, taking in spells in Ireland, England, Scotland and Greece.

After his release from Arsenal as a teenager, Stokes spent time with Sunderland, Hibernian, Celtic and Blackburn Rovers, and spent time on loan with Falkirk, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace.

His last appearance in green came in a 4-1 friendly win over the USA in 2014, while he was still on the books at Celtic.

Stokes, who has played in the Champions League and Europa League group stages with Celtic, is the first Irish player to play in Iran's top league since Éamon Zayed in 2012.

Former Bray Wanderers striker Zayed spent a year with Persepolis in Tehran, famously scoring three goals in the Tehran derby, which saw him dubbed 'Mr Hat Trick' thereafter.