Jonny Hayes has been filling in for the injured Kieran Tierney in pre-season, with the Celtic man reportedly attracting interest from elsewhere.
Jonny Hayes has admitted that playing in Kieran Tierney’s positon for Celtic has helped improve his ‘concentration’ levels as he praised Kris Ajer for his help.
Left-back Tierney is currently on the sidelines with injury as Neil Lennon has used utility man Hayes in his position during pre-season.
As previously reported by the Scottish Sun, English Premier League side Arsenal and Serie A giants Napoli are keen on securing the signature of Tierney this summer.
Whilst Tierney deals with his injury, his teammate Hayes is filling in at left-back, and he shared what it has been like playing in that position.
“I’m just happy to be playing football,” said Hayes, as quoted by Herald Scotland. “Kieran should be back soon enough, maybe in a couple of weeks. It won’t be a long-term thing with a player of Kieran’s calibre here. I’m just enjoying playing football in whatever position I’m in.
“Wingers can come in and out of games. Having a defensive role has helped me with my concentration, knowing not to switch off. Players are constantly talking to me, Kris Ajer, for instance, has an old head on young shoulders.
“You have to make sure you are in the right position, but communication is key and as long as we keep talking I’m sure any of our players could fit in there.”
Neil Lennon will be very keen to keep hold of Tierney this summer as he bids to win a ninth Scottish Premiership title in a row with the Bhoys.
If the highly-rated Scotsman does part ways with his boyhood club then Celtic may just need two players to fill his role during the summer transfer window.
But either way, a player like Hayes will also play a big part because his versatility and ability to adapt will be very important to Lennon during the season.
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