Celtic winger Jonny Hayes says he’s delighted that he’s featuring regularly at the club again. The Irishman has endured a couple of stop-start seasons since joining from Aberdeen in 2017 but now looks like making his mark on the first-team at long last.
Hayes may have started just seven league games this season but the majority came under Neil Lennon. Celtic’s new boss trusted the winger in several high profile matches during his interim spell as manager, including two Glasgow derbies and both the Scottish Cup semi-final and final.
31-year-old Hayes missed a good chunk of his first season out with a broken leg and now he says he’s just pleased to be back playing.
He told the Daily Record: “After my broken leg and the other injuries, I’m happy just to be out on the pitch, in whatever position is required.
“I feel like a schoolboy again. I just love playing football.”
Hayes has stepped up
The winger may not be the most talented player in our squad but you can’t fault his effort. He gives you everything he’s got when he plays, no matter the position.
The Republic of Ireland international filled-in at left-back during Saturday’s Scottish Cup final and made several key headers in an unnatural position. He also gave Celtic real pace in attack with his direct running.
The Hoops should be looking to add more quality in the wider areas next season but that’s not to say that Hayes should be frozen out completely. He’s proven that he does have a worth to the side, even if only as a substitute to exploit tired legs.
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