Celtic scripted their first win on Italian soil by defeating Lazio by two goals to one. That win ensured Celtic’s place in the last 32 as well, and the Bhoys now have a terrific chance to top the group stages. One player who was being considered as one of the weak links when the lineup was announced was Jonny Hayes. An injury to Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo gave the 32-year-old a chance to start in the wing-back role.
Hayes did a decent job on both the fronts, i.e. defensively and in the attack. He played with energy and determination and pressed high in the second half to help Celtic change the complexion of the game. Hayes is a winger by trade, but he has been used more as a fullback now for quite some time.
Hayes on his future
The versatile winger is in the final year of his contract, and Hayes recently went on to reveal that he would like to sign a new deal with the Hoops. The 32-year-old said (Evening Times), ”Yeah (on whether he will want to stay at Celtic) but it’s not something that’s been spoken about. I haven’t given it a moment’s thought, to be honest. I’ve always been the kind of guy that takes life and football day by day, and I’ll continue to do that.”
“If I was in the team and helping the team in whatever way possible with all the games coming up over November and Christmas time, the time to talk would be after Christmas. But I’m not young and naive. I know how things work in football. Now I’m just taking it day by day and enjoying my football.”
Hayes was also on the scoresheet against Rangers this season as he came off the bench to double Celtic’s advantage in the dying embers of the game. It is fair to say that he has been a decent squad player so far this season.
What should Lennon do?
Even though Hayes has taken his opportunities well this season, we don’t see the Hoops giving the Scotsman a new deal. Lennon went on to sign two left-sided fullbacks in the form of Bolingoli and Greg Taylor this summer. Taylor hasn’t played much as he is still settling in at Parkhead. Bolingoli-Mbombo had a patchy start to his Celtic career, but he has improved in the last few months.
Therefore with two reliable left fullback options available, Lennon shouldn’t look to hand Hayes a new deal. From Hayes’ words, he also probably realises that a new deal is unlikely to happen and he should just enjoy his time at Celtic for now.
