Anthony stokes up Palace's play-off bid

Anthony Stokes is ready to prove he is a reformed character by firing Crystal Palace into play-off contention.

The Sunderland striker, 20, has signed on loan for the Eagles until the end of the season after a series of indiscretions on Wearside, which saw him banned from nightclubs by former manager Roy Keane.

He has been unable to win back his place under new boss Ricky Sbragia, who is understood to be ready to let Stokes leave at the end of the season.

The ex-Arsenal youngster made a superb first impression in his full Palace debut on Saturday with a goal that helped earn a 2-1 win over Preston.

He said: "I made some very stupid decisions when I was young but I'm much more mature now."

Stokes' strike cancelled out Billy Jones' opener.