Aberdeen will get a double boost if they can lure Hayes back north

FORMER Aberdeen defender Brian I r vi ne believes the Dons would be gaining two players in one if they can lure Jonny Hayes back to Pittodrie.

Hayes is a free agent after his contract with Celtic expired and has said he would be open to a return to the Granite City.

Dons chairman Dave Cormack has also spoken of his willingness to try to bring Hayes, part of the League Cup-winning team of 2014, back if manager Derek McInnes wants him.

Irvine believes the diminutive attacker would be a valuable addition.

He said: “Jonny knows the Aberdeen manager well while Derek will be looking at Jonny as a possible two players in one given his ability to play as a winger or at left-back, so it would be a win-win for all parties.

“Football is facing such an uncertain time at the moment and budgets are going to be tight as a result of the financial challenges facing t he majority of clubs, especially in Scotland. Any manager would welcome a f ree agent of his quality.”

Hayes’ f ormer teammate at Pittodrie, Niall McGinn, remains a key member of the Dons side since returning to the club from Gwangju in January 2018 and Irvine believes Aberdeen would be gaining the services of a more rounded player if they can entice Hayes into a return.

Irvine said: “It’s the old cliche of players shouldn’t go back but Russell Anderson had a very productive second spell while Niall McGinn has also carried on where he left off since returning to the club.

“There were no problems with either of those guys and I think it is clear Jonny still has an affinity for the club going by his recent comments.

“He is a quality player and one with a lot of experience.”

Jonny Hayes is a free agent after leaving Celtic.