You get the impression that Jonny Hayes would be happy to play in goals for Celtic. The Irishman will have been pinching himself in recent months after becoming one of Neil Lennon’s trusted men.
Since the turn of the year, Hayes has started in the Mestalla, in both derby matches against Rangers and in the Scottish Cup semi-final and final. He’s become one of our trusted men, playing in his favoured left-midfield position but also as an auxiliary full-back.
Hayes has done well in that unfamiliar position while Kieran Tierney has struggled with injury problems. However, Celtic must not rely on him to fill in again next year.
Unfair on Hayes
Hayes was signed as an attacker so it seems unfair to be playing him as a defender. The 31-year-old possesses immense pace, trickery and a good final ball. Those three skills are best utilised in an attacking player.
Celtic have the opportunity to sort the left-back issue this summer. Kieran Tierney is expected to come back as a totally new player following hernia surgery but he is unlikely to be able to play every single match.
It’s crucial that Neil Lennon and the recruitment department find a suitable back-up who can take the pressure off the Scotland international. Jonny Hayes filled in well at left-back but he was, in effect, a sticking plaster.
We can’t afford any sticking plasters this summer. We’ve got an opportunity to build a new team and strengthen key areas so we don’t have to rely on the likes of Hayes to play unfamiliar positions.
The former Aberdeen man had a good end to the season and most of that was down to his attacking play. He gives us a width that no other player does so it’s important that he has a part to play. Just not as a defender.
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