Soccer:Celtic striker Anthony Stokes has admitted he faces an uphill battle if he is to make the Republic of Ireland's panel for next summer's European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.

Stokes is the form striker at Parkhead at the moment but had to watch from afar as Giovanni Trapattoni’s side confirmed their qualification on Tuesday against Estonia.

The former Hibernian player upset coach Trappatoni in May when he withdrew from the squad for the Carling Nations Cup matches against Northern Ireland and Scotland and the friendly against Italy, although the player later denied saying it was because he was too tired.

He was not included in the squad for the double-header against Estonia and admits he will now struggle to get back in for next summer.

“That’s out of my hands,” he said. “I just want to play as well as I can and give myself the best chance. If I am scoring goals and playing week-in, week-out, there is not a lot else I can do.

“A season or two ago I wasn’t playing and Trapattoni still picked me but the lads in the squad are doing well so I can’t have any complaints really. I would love to be (included) but I just have to focus on my club form and do as well as I possibly can.

“The ball is in his court and I can’t do much more than I’m doing at the minute.”