Dons cup boost as Hayes gets all-clear

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes admits the availability of Jo n n y Ha y e s for this Sunday ’s Scottish Cup semi- final is a pleasant surprise.

The Republic of Ireland international played for former club Celtic in the previous round of the competition, coming on as a late substitute for Greg Taylor in a 1- 0 win at St Johnstone.

Hayes was released by Celtic in the summer and returned to Pittodrie for a second spell, having agreed to defer his wages for a year and help ease the financial burden on the Dons during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mc In n e s feared the 33-year-old would be cuptied for Sunday’s showdown against his former side and is delighted the Scottish FA have granted special dispensation for players who have already represented another club in the competition to play in the semi-finals, which were originally scheduled to take place on April 11 and 12.

Hayes recovered from a groin injury sustained in the 4-2 win against Hamilton Accies to feature for the Dons in Sunday’s 3-3 league draw with the Hoops at Pittodrie.

When asked if he was surprised by the Scottish FA’s decision, McInnes said: “Yes I was. I wasn’t convinced that was ever going to be the case but he shouldn’t be denied that chance.

“It was brilliant even getting the news on Sunday morning that Jonny had no adverse reaction to Saturday’s training and would be able to play.

“Defensively and with his work in his own half Jonny is very good.

“But he still carries that fight for us, that torch for us going forward. He is a really inspirational player for us.

“We had the conversation with Jonny in the summer that playing in the semi-final was so important for him.

“That was one of the first things he mentioned.

“Trying to be part of a successful Aberdeen team was important to Jonny as well as it is for us all.

“It is great that he is available for us both after his injury last week and being able to perform in the semi-final.”

Aberdeen attacker Niall

McGinn said recently that he believes Hayes has returned to Pittodrie as a better player following his three years at Celtic Park.

During his time with the Hoops, the former Caley Thistle winger won three league titles as well as two League Cup and one Scottish Cup.

McInnes said: “I think Jonny would say himself he maybe wasn’t as focused in the early part of his career.

“We got a hold of him and his consistency and fitness were really what got him his move to Celtic.

“He was a key player for a number of years. The experience of having to be that type of person to be able to play for Celtic means he has probably matured a bit more. We get the stats and he’s still as quick as he was.”