Chris Sutton says that Jonny Hayes is not a like for like replacement of Patrick Roberts.
General view of Celtic Park
Former Celtic player and now a football pundit, Chris Sutton, is not entirely convinced with Celtic’s reported move for Aberdeen winger, Jonny Hayes.
The Bhoys are reportedly interested in signing the 29-year-old winger, with Brendan Rodgers keen to be reunited with his former player.
Hayes has enjoyed a brilliant 2016/17 campaign, and at times single handedly carried his team. Sutton admits that he likes the player and Aberdeen are not the same team without him in it.
The former Blackburn striker adds that it would be a ‘significant signing’ for Celtic in weakening the opposition in Scotland should they complete the £1.2m deal (Daily Mail) for Hayes.
Aberdeen’s Jonny Hayes (C) scores their first goal
However, Sutton is not convinced whether Hayes’ addition would help Celtic take an onward step towards European football.
“Now I have to make it clear, I like Hayes. He has had a great season. While I wouldn’t say he has carried Aberdeen at times they are certainly not the same team without him in it,” wrote Sutton in his column for The Daily Record.
“So in terms of weakening the opposition in Scotland it would be a significant signing if they complete the £1.2m deal reported to be in the pipeline.
“But in terms of strengthening Celtic for the step up to the next level in European football, I’m not so sure.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
The Hoops have enjoyed a memorable 2016/17 season, where they completed a domestic treble while remaining undefeated in the entire season.
Celtic have proved that they are miles ahead of their rivals, and their main priority next season will be to improve in European competitions.
Sutton says that a move for Hayes is an indication that Patrick Roberts won’t be coming back. He says that it will be a big loss, as Roberts brings a different quality to the side.
The former Chelsea player adds that Hayes is not a like-for-like replacement of Roberts, but he believes Rodgers can make him a better player.
Jonny Hayes of Aberdeen and Emilio Izaguirre of Celtic
“Hayes is more in the mould of James Forrest and Scott Sinclair in the sense they bring a lot of pace – but Roberts is a different type in the way he plays,” he added.
“When it comes to seeing a pass and executing it, Roberts offers more and he has a great ability to beat players in tight situations. So I wonder whether Rodgers would prefer something more of his ilk. Hayes is not a like-for-like replacement because he doesn’t have the same attributes.
“So would Hayes be a good signing for Celtic? Domestically, yes. But for the next level in Europe? I’m not so sure.”
Should Celtic make a move for Hayes?
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