All signs point to a new Celtic contract for Jonny Hayes

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When it comes to players who are in real need of a new deal, Jonny Hayes is one of the first names on the list.

The Irishman signed from Aberdeen in the summer of 2017. However, after finalising a three-year contract, it’s already coming to an end as the clock ticks down to next summer.

Throughout that period, if we’re all being honest, Hayes hasn’t ever become a first choice. He’s been a rotation player. Someone who can be used if necessary. But nobody can say it hasn’t been a successful period either.

Hayes has won six domestic trophies with the club and has made 56 appearances overall. But he’s never really had the quality to displace the likes of Kieran Tierney or Scott Sinclair in recent years.

He’s a bench-warmer and won’t ever be anything more. Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not. Hayes is at a stage in his career where he’ll be delighted to have the opportunity of playing for a big club. Celtic was likely his utopia, and he’s managed to reach it and spend what will be at least three years at Parkhead.

But don’t expect his time here to end in the summer of 2020.

He’s been the most used substitute this season by Lennon. In total, Hayes has come on in a total of 13 matches this term. In seven of our last eight league games, Hayes has been called upon by Lennon to make an impact from the bench.

Lennon clearly has strong faith in Hayes

Granted, some of those games he’s come on with barely any time to make an impact. But Lennon doesn’t throw on players he doesn’t think he can rely on. Hayes has a clear fan in Lennon, and that’s been made evident by his game-time this season.

Lenny also stated that he would have no problems throwing the former Inverness and Aberdeen star on in Lazio (Scottish Sun). With Boli a doubt, the manager could easily give Hayes a huge Europa League outing.

And with new contracts suddenly flying around Celtic Park, don’t be surprised if Hayes gets an extension at some stage. After all, with the amount of times Lennon calls on him, why wouldn’t he be in line for a new deal?

It’s not as though Hayes is just lucky to be in the matchday squads. These days, you’re almost surprised if Lennon doesn’t bring him on.

If he continues to do the job Lennon wants, all signs point to an extension for the Irishman. But considering we’re still in November, he should still have some work to do.