BRENTFORD MANAGER DEAN Smith says that he is hoping to keep Alan Judge at the club as interest in the player intensifies.

Smith confirmed that fellow Championship club Burnley made a bid for Judge, but stressed that he would prefer to hold on to the Dubliner, describing him as “a big player” for the team.

The 27-year-old, who has scored 10 league goals this season, is also attracting interest from Sheffield Wednesday.

“I think it’s key to keep him. It can be unsettling but Alan Judge gets on with his game. He’s got a valuation to this club and he’s been kept in the loop all along,” Smith told Pendle Today.

Maybe Burnley’s timing is not right but it depends on how you look at it with a game on Friday against them.

“I’d hope to keep Alan – he’s been a big player so far this season.”

Judge’s impressive form has led to Martin O’Neill including the midfielder in recent Ireland squads, though he has yet to win a cap for his country at senior level.

Meanwhile, Hibernian are keen to seal a loan move for Celtic striker Anthony Stokes, despite the Scottish Premiership champions agreeing a deal with Dundee United.

According to The Irish Times, the Republic of Ireland international would favour a move to Easter Road, where he previously played on loan.

Indeed, Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen does not believe that his side are “favourites” to land the 27-year-old.

“We have made an approach to Celtic and spoken to the player,” said Paatelainen.

But I don’t how things will pan out. It’s up to the player to decide. He’s got loads of options.

“Obviously we’re a bottom-of-the-table club. I don’t think when you look at the league table that we are the favourites to get him.”

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