GO JONNY GO GO GO..

It’s been a marathon season but Hayes could not be happier

JONNY HAYES’ longest year began with him spilling his drink on the bed in celebration of Robbie Brady’s Euro 2016 winner against Italy. It finally ends on Sunday, when he hopes to play in Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Austria at the Aviva Stadium. “I was just counting up there and I think it’s going to be a 362-day season,” laughed the Aberdeen winger. “We started back June 15 last year. By the time we finish up and go away on Monday...”. Hayes has earned his trip to Disneyland Paris with his son next week. “I promised the little fella I’d take him to see Mickey Mouse so after the Austria game that’s my priority for the summer.” Less than a fortnight later, the 29-year-old will be back in pre-season. But Hayes, a late starter at international level, wouldn’t have it any other way. He earned his fourth cap last Sunday – his first start – but without making the impact he would have hoped for. Nevertheless, it’s all a long way from last June. “I was in St Andrews,” recalled Hayes. “I’ll never forget. I’d just ordered a club sandwich and Diet Coke when Robbie (inset) scored against Italy. “I was jumping on the bed spilling Coke everywhere! “We were right in the middle of pre-season. I was just sitting in my room by myself. I didn’t really get much support from the rest of the lads, considering we went there instead of Scotland. To go from being a supporter to a year later being involved is a terrific feeling.” Hayes was first drafted in for the Switzerland friendly in March last year. Coming on as a sub that night was a surprise but he failed to get into the reckoning for the Euros squad. Hayes, though, always enjoys being a part of the set-up. “I’ve never taken it for granted. Every time I’m in the squad it’s brilliant. “The standard of training and playing is obviously higher than what I play at domestically and I enjoy every minute of it. “Once you are not involved for so long you do think the chance has gone. But my manager at Aberdeen always believed in me and he said it to me every day, that I’d get a chance. “I think he believed more than I did, so I was a little bit surprised when I first got called up. But I come in, train and try my best every day I’m in here and I do by best to stay in the squad.” Hayes travelled with Ireland to Vienna in November and watched from the stand as Ireland, through James Mcclean’s goal, earned an important away victory. “Sometimes you get a better view, especially when you are up high and it’s freezing cold,” he joked. “They are a good side. Obviously they have got some Champions League level players who would fit into most teams in the world – Bayern Munich, et cetera. “They’re going to be a tough side but we have proved that we can go away and win so there’s no reason why we can’t do it here. “The management team have instilled belief and confidence in the players, right from two or three years ago. “You can see that confidence and belief building up game by game. The lads go into every game without any fear now. “We play the best teams in the world, so there’s nothing to fear this week.”