Jonny Hayes’ performances this season have failed to kick on after last term’s injury.
Despite that, however, he’s back in the fold.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has given Hayes three runouts over the last month. Two of them have been from the bench.
This is despite the fact Celtic now have some competition developing down the left again. Lewis Morgan has been thrown back amongst the subs, whilst Mikey Johnston and Scott Sinclair have begun to battle it out.
Even though Johnston did net twice from a striker’s position against Dundee, he remains a natural left-winger.
Therefore, Hayes, if we’re all being honest, isn’t particularly needed. His performances simply haven’t been good enough to merit a legitimate future at Celtic Park, yet still he features.
Is this down to the fact that Rodgers wants to put him in the shop window again?
MORE CELTIC STORIES
Hayes clearly hasn’t got it
Let’s face it. In the matches where Hayes has come on, he’s had minimal impact yet continues to get chances. He’s had more than enough now to try and convince the Celtic support, yet Rodgers still fields him.
He remains a solid Premiership player on his day. Many clubs in this country would love to have the chance to have Hayes in their arsenal. His performances over his time at both Aberdeen and Inverness proved he can hurt any side in Scotland.
Does he have the consistency to perform for Celtic, however? Not by a long shot. It’s time Hayes gets sent packing, and it wouldn’t be surprising if his “renaissance” in recent times is down to how close we are to January.
Celtic splashed our around £1million to bring him to Parkhead. Unfortunately both the club and the player, it’s been a failed move. Hayes has conssitently tried his best for the club, but just can’t cope with the demands.
The club are surely willing to admitt they’ve suffered on this one and be happy to make a loss on him. There’s no chance they’ll get anywhere near £1m for Hayes, so they have to bite the bullet.
With the timing of his recent chances in the side, are Celtic really trying to put him in the shop window?