At Your Service

Jonny Hayes took a step back to go forward

- Tony Connelly

Jonny Hayes has been the consummate professional during his time at Celtic and has given everything for the jersey whenever called upon. The Irishman has been rewarded for that attitude with a regular place in Neil Lennon’s side and is making a point of cherishing every moment he gets in the Hoops this season.

Nailing down a permanent place in a squad as competitive as Celtic’s has been a daily battle for Hayes, but the unwavering commitment he has shown in each and every training session has kept him in the fight.

Being a Celtic player is a dream come true for Hayes and the 32-year-old admitted there is no better feeling in football than pulling on the Hoops. That feeling continues to drive him and he is by no means ready to stop chasing that goal week-in, week-out.

“It’s more enjoyable to play regardless of what club you’re at or how you’re doing in the league,” said Hayes. “As a footballer, it’s more enjoyable to be playing football. The more you play football, the more enjoy it. Some people might be a bit more content here than other places if you’re not playing, but if you’re playing and the results are positive everything else falls into place around that.

“When the games come thick and fast you have to understand that you might be taken out for a game or two with the squad being rotated. That’s the whole point of having a strong squad here, you have players who can come in or out.”

Being ready to step in when needed is crucial, with each game being so decisive in the outcome of the title race and competition for places so high. Hayes has found himself in and out of the team this season, but he hasn’t let that affect the positive mind-set which he believes has been so important in securing game-time.