Jonny all revved up for a big night
JONNY HAYES admits he got a buzz being handed his new Celtic strip – and can’t wait to pull it on for real.
The Parkhead new Bhoy got a kick after he got to grips with the Hoops at his unveiling last week.
But the £1.3million signing from Aberdeen admitted it will be special to wear the shirt on the pitch as Celts kick-off their pre-season against Austrian second division side Linz tonight.
Hayes said: “I don’t know how it will feel. I couldn’t wait to pull the strip on for my unveiling and it has that effect on you – you just want to keep it on.
“I had photos done when I was getting the medical and then at my unveiling there was a strip with my name and number on it. It was amazing.
“It’ll mean the world to me when I walk into a dressing room in Austria and see my jersey hanging there.”
Hayes admitted he’s been desperate to wear the Hoops since the first time he strode out at Celtic Park in 2009.
He said: “I still have memories of my first game – losing 6-0 in the cup with Inverness. I said then I’d love to get a chance to play for the club. That was eight years ago.
“I remember standing next to Daniel Majstorovic and looking around the place.
“The ball came to me and I wasn’t even looking as I was overawed. That sticks with you and I remember thinking that if I ever had the chance to come here I would love to take it.
“Hopefully I can add to the team and squad in whatever way the manager sees fit.
“I’m wearing No.15 and it doesn’t bother me. It’s what is on the front of the strip that counts and I’ll take whatever number is given to me.”