Hayes keen to sign new contract at Parkhead

JOHNNY HAYES, the versatile Irishman who helped Celtic to record a famous 2-1 win over Lazio in Rome on Thursday night, has revealed he would be open to prolonging his stay at Parkhead beyond the summer.

However, Hayes, who has been a fringe player since signing on a free transfer from Aberdeen back in 2017, hasn’t spoken to the Glasgow club about a contract extension and admitted he could be deemed surplus to requirements.

The 32-year-old, who netted a late goal in the 2-0 win over Rangers at Ibrox back in September, is something of a cult hero to the treble treble winners’ supporters despite not being a regular starter and they would unquestionably welcome him being kept on.

Yet, with Boli Bolingoli and Greg Taylor as well as Mohammed Elyounoussi, Mikey Johnston and Scott Sinclair all at Celtic Park at the moment, he appreciates there are no guarantees he will be offered another deal when his current one expires at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.

Asked if he would like to sign a new deal and finish his career at Celtic, Hayes said: “Yeah, but it’s not something that’s been spoken about. I haven’t given it a moment’s thought to be honest. I’ve always been the kind of guy that takes life and football day by day and I’ll continue to do that.

“If I was in the team and helping the team in whatever way possible with all the games coming up over November and Christmas time, the time to talk would be after Christmas.

“But I’m not young and naive. I know how things work in football. Now I’m just taking it day by day and enjoying my football. Because the team is doing well and there is so much to look forward to it’s a brilliant place to be.”

Hayes has become a real big game specialist for Celtic this year and got the nod to start against Lazio ahead of Taylor.

“It’s nice that the manager has a bit of trust in me for these games,” he said. “We had a chat about it. I played in some bigger games at the end of last season as well and whilst I’m grateful to be on the pitch I’m here any time he needs me.”