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Jonny Hayes has started the last two domestic games at left back and deserves to carry on in his new position against Valencia.

The Irishman deputised for Emilio Izaguirre against St Johnstone and then again at the weekend in Kilmarnock.

Hayes produced strong performances in both games, and deserves to play in the Europa League tomorrow night.

Although Hayes has started the last two games domestically, he was left out last week against the Spanish side at Celtic Park.

In hindsight, Brendan Rodgers made the wrong decision changing his back line.

Izaguirre was the culprit who played the Valencia attack onside for their first goal last week.

The Honduran was left out against Kilmarnock in favour of Hayes on the plastic pitch.

Hayes has only made 30 appearances for Celtic since his move from Aberdeen for around £1m in 2017.

His Celtic career looked to take off in the winter of 2017, however he suffered a leg break on Boxing Day at Dundee.

Against St Johnstone and then Kilmarnock, Hayes has started to provide a real defensive and attacking contribution for the Hoops.

In both games he was strong in the tackle, and tracked his opposition marker well.

As Sunday’s game at Killie progressed, Hayes became more and more influential on the play. He was a real outlet for Celtic on the left as the game got congested in the middle.

He fired in a superb cross for Ryan Christie, but the midfielder’s header flew narrowly wide.

Having two strong performances behind him, Hayes deserves his crack against a higher class of opposition.

Consistency breeds success

There is not a single Celtic fan who would take Hayes over Kieran Tierney as the team’s number one left back.

However with Izaguirre not being at his best, an argument can be made for Hayes to deputise at left back until Tierney is fit again.

With the Scottish international’s return not too far away, Hayes can continue to fill in and help the team when needed.

By starting Hayes tomorrow, Rodgers will be handing the Irishman a massive confidence boost.

It may propel him to produce even better displays.