Jonny Hayes has been linked with a move away from Scottish Premiership giants Celtic and a shock return to Aberdeen.
Does Jonny Hayes have a future at Celtic? If the 30-year-old wants to stay at Parkhead, this pre-season has a real make-or-break feel to it.
The Express (22 June, page 58) reported that Aberdeen were keen to re-sign Hayes just one year after he left them for Celtic for £1.3 million. Preston North End are also interested in the Republic of Ireland international and want to sign him on loan with an option to buy.
There does not appear to be an obvious place in Celtic’s squad for the versatile wideman. The presence of Patrick Roberts, James Forrest and Scott Sinclair limited him to just six Scottish Premiership starts before he suffered a season-ending broken leg at Christmas.
And Celtic are now set to welcome Lewis Morgan and Ryan Christie into the squad.
So all Hayes can do is impress between now and the middle of August, when the window slams shut. But he has made a good start.
“He’s such a great character in the squad, has built himself up every day, got used to the way of playing, getting fitter and getting stronger and at the time when he got injured he was hitting really good form,” Rodgers told the Daily Record of Hayes, who made his return from injury with a stand-out cameo performance in Celtic’s 1-0 win against SK Vorworts in Austria.
“He’s gone away and worked tirelessly. He’s got himself back quicker than we thought he would and we were hoping.
“You saw his running ability and strength and power. He’s there and it’s still very early in the season, so it’s good.”
Hayes would give Celtic something a little different if required; a raw pace and power not to mention a helpful ability to play at left-back. Continue like this and there is no reason to suggest Celtic will decide to get rid.
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