Stokes has lit up the SPL with some cracking performances

The 18-year-old, on loan from Arsenal until January, is leading goalscorer in the SPL with nine goals.

"He has been doing fantastically well and coming from Arsenal has been a great move for him," Strachan said.

"I haven't been able to get to games to see him, but our scouts have watched him and we played Falkirk recently."

Stokes fired a hat-trick against Dunfermline at East End Park on Saturday and Strachan praised the attitude of the Republic of Ireland under-19 international.

It's been great for him - and it's been even better for Falkirk Celtic manager Gordon Strachan

"He has taken a chance and said 'yes, I will take the opportunity to go up there and play first team football'," Strachan added.

"It's been great for him - and it's been even better for Falkirk. It shows that if, as a kid, you are prepared to get out and about and not sit on your backside then people will notice you.

"Then you can launch a career and that's what he has done."

Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink has set his sights on capturing the first trophy of the season.

The Dutchman returned after an ankle injury as a second-half substitute in Saturday's 2-1 win over Hearts at Celtic Park and is set to start against Falkirk.

"When you win prizes it is addictive and you want to win more," he said.

"It's important to win trophies and I've won the cup twice in Holland. It's a good feeling and when you have it, you want it again.

"Players want to win everything and it doesn't matter who you are playing against.

"Now it is the CIS Cup and we want to win that also. We won it last year and we want to win it again.

"After your career is over, you can look at your CV and say, 'I won that cup and this cup' which is nice."