A riddle wrapped in mystery inside an enigma...

Roy Keane made numerous changes to his starting XI, but this line-up included the likes of Andy Reid, David Healy and Kieran Richardson. It was a side that should beat the likes of Northampton town comfortably, no disrespect to Stuart Gray's side.

But it was left to Stokes, who came off the bench, to take the tie into extra time and ultimately, penalties.

The former Arsenal striker scored two goals in the final six minutes of the match, which doubles his goal tally for the last nine months (his last goal came in the 1-0 win against Derby County in December 2007)

There is no doubt that Stokes has talent. Keane has said time and time again that he is the most naturally gifted player in the squad and that if he merely applies himself a lot more, he could be a top player.

Talent is only 10% of what it takes to be a great player after all, if you subscribe to Keane's view.

Stokes made his reputation in Scotland whilst on loan from Arsenal at Falkirk. He attracted attention from Aston Villa and Celtic.

Part of the Arsene Wenger conveyor belt of talent, the youngster found himself a wanted man, but spurned advances from Martin O'Neill and Gordon Strachan and opted to move to Sunderland.

Fans were excited, as were pundits, and even the manager himself, and in all honesty, I think they still are.

Whenever he comes off the bench, there is always the hope that he can be a match-winner, a livewire that can blow open a game. What Stokes needs is a run in the team, as a striker - not on the wing, and as his confidence grows, as will his talent.

Look at what Arsenal did last night. They demolished Sheffield United with a squad with an average age of 19. Stokes was once part of that.

The talent is there, and he is at a club that is an ideal place for that talent to blossom. The only question is how much does he want it?