Popular pundit in the SPFL  Mark Wilson has high hopes that Celtic winger Jonny Hayes is in contention to sign a new deal with the approval of the board and manager Neil Lennon

The veteran player joined the park head side in the summer of 2017 from Aberdeen for a reported fee of £1million signing a three-year deal. He has since gone to score two goals and seven assists.

The 32-year old Irish international has been used just as a squad player with a total of 26 appearances so far this campaign with only nine starts.

However, his contract is due for expiration by the end of this term, but Wilson remains optimistic that Hayes remains a useful weapon in the club’s arsenal and admitted there’s another year in store for the player.

Wilson gave his opinion during an exclusive interview saying that John Hayes has had some tough times under the previous manager [Brendan Rodgers] as sometimes he doesn’t even make the matchday squad he would sit in the stands and miss a lot of footballing action. So many had thought he that was the end of his Celtic career”.

“Since the arrival of Lenny, he has been playing quite regularly playing a total of 26 appearances for the club. That shows he is among the integral players at the club under Lennon”.

Lennon has been making use of Hayes in some formations and some tactical positions, and that makes him so useful considering his flexibility and adaptability.  Looking at him merely, he looks sharp and not short of fitness considering his age.

Although Hayes has come under substantial criticism form, the Celtic fanbase and Wilson seem confident Lenny will hand him another chance.

Written by: Olumide Akinnifesi