Red-hot Jonny is now my perfect wing-back
McInnes hails Hayes as key to new formation
DEREK McINNES believes Jonny Hayes has reached the stage of his career where he is the perfect wing-back.
The Irishman made his name as a flying winger but is now employed further back in Aberdeen’s new-look formation.
McInnes has gone for a three-man defence this season and it has seen Hayes patrol the whole left flank – but he showed against Ross County with a couple of assists he can be equally effective.
Hayes was also used in that position on occasions for Celtic under Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon.
McInnes said: “I’ve flirted with it before and maybe not quite had the right personnel to really commit to it.
“Jonny’s massive for that. Jonny, at this stage in his career, is the perfect wingback. It’s important you try to get your best players in their best positions and give yourself the best chance to win a game.
“We have Tommie (Hoban) who can dip in and out from centre-back to full-back, and Andy (Considine) is one and the same on the other side. So having that flexibility at the back helps.
“It suits us for now and if we can work away at it, hopefully we can keep improving.” Aberdeen’s return to form has also coincided with Hoban’s comeback. The defender has signed a deal until January and the Dons boss wants it to be extended.
Hoban is closer to full fitness and can now start back-to-back games, after he played against Sporting Lisbon and then Sunday’s win over County.
McInnes said: “We spoke to Tommie on Friday and he felt good . We wanted to make that assessment again on the Saturday after training.
“He felt good to go and was even reluctant to come off as a substitute, that’s a good sign. Tommie has the ability to make players around him better.”
The change in formation at the back has given scope for Ryan Hedges and Scott Wright to shine at the other end.
McInnes is delighted for both and especially Wright who missed most of last year with a serious knee injury.
He added: “I want to show faith in him. He and Ryan weren’t at their best against Motherwell but showing that faith and giving them real responsibility to be key players is important.”