Celtic winger Jonny Hayes has praised his manager Neil Lennon for motivating the Hoops to a crucial victory over Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday, The Scottish Sun report.
The Irishman produced an excellent performance coming off the bench for the Scottish champions, scoring the second goal in a 2-0 win over our city rivals.
After the match though, the 32-year-old derby hero was keen to emphasise the team performance and lavish praise on his boss.
Hayes reckons that Lennon is one of the motivating coaches around in football.
As quoted by The Scottish Sun, he said: “Last couple of times at Ibrox, we just didn’t turn up.
“We didn’t perform and we owed it to ourselves with the backing we have off the field to put in a good performance.
“The manager is one of the best motivators in the game. He’s driven it into us we needed to start better. Winning the game was vital and keeping our 100 per cent domestic record.”
What next for Hayes after his big moment?
Hayes’ goal against Rangers is well deserved after the professionalism and desire he’s shown in the Celtic team since signing in 2017.
He’s not become a key player for the Hoops, but that was likely never really his intended role.
Under Lennon in particular he’s performed a crucial utility role and has never given below his absolute best.
When he broke away from the Rangers defence on Sunday everyone was willing him to score, not just because it would secure the result, but because it was a huge moment for the player too.
It’s likely that even after his big Ibrox impact he will continue to be a squad player rather than a first-team pick, but we need men like that in the team over the course of a long, hard season.
He’s enjoying his football and working under his manager. Long may it continue.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
