Ireland 5-0 Estonia
Noel King began his reign as Ireland U-21 manager with an emphatic victory over Estonia in a European Championship qualifier this evening.
Stokes hit struck the opener in the 15th minute, the 22-year-old rifling a right-foot shot past Marko Meerits from 15 yards after turning inside Aleksei Jahhimovits.
Just before the half hour Stokes then cheekily chipped Meerits from the penalty spot after he had been brought down by Marek Kaljumae.
Stokes should have completed his hat-trick in the 55th minute, only to plant a header a yard over in meeting Owen Garvan's right-wing free-kick.
But the man of the match brilliantly played a part in the three goals that followed for Wigan midfielder James McCarthy, Everton defender Seamus Coleman and Crystal Palace midfielder Garvan.
Ireland under-21 manager Don Givens has named an 18-man squad for next month's European Championship qualifier in Tallinn against Estonia.
Histon's Lanre Oyebanjo, James McKeown of Peterborough United and Aston Villa's James Collins are included in the squad for the first time. Reading midfielder Scott Davies is also in line to make his debut for Ireland at this level.
Manager Don Givens is looking forward to the squad: 'Estonia are a good side, they work very hard and will make it difficult for us, especially since they are at home.
'They went to Switzerland earlier this month and won. I saw that match and I was impressed by them. It's a tricky fixture for us but I'm very happy with the squad I have.'
He added: 'A lot of the players are experienced at this level, having been regulars with the under-21s for some time now.
'We also have a few new faces in the squad, so I am looking forward to getting a close look at those players. This is a strong squad, one that is certainly capable of making an impact in the European Championship qualifiers.'
Ireland U21 Squad
Shane Redmond (Burton Albion), James McKeown (Peterborough United), Michael Spillane (Norwich City), Brendan Moloney (Notts County), Darren Dennehy (Hereford United), Shane Lowry (Aston Villa), Ian Bermingham (Shamrock Rovers), Lanre Oyebanjo (Histon), Stephen Gleeson (MK Dons), David Meyler (Sunderland), Owen Garvan (Ipswich Town), James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic), Alan Judge (Plymouth Argyle), Jay O'Shea (Birmingham City), Scott Davies (Reading), Cillian Sheridan (Plymouth Argyle), Sean Scannell (Crystal Palace) and James Collins (Aston Villa).
