Dons boss: ‘I’ll fight to keep Hayes’
DEREK McINNES insisted he will keep fighting to retain his top stars – including Jonny Hayes.
Wing-king Hayes was given a standing ovation by Dons fans as he was subbed during yesterday’s Scottish Cup win over Stranraer.
The Irishman has been subject to two failed bids from Cardiff City this month.
But his manager last night claimed he is focused on ADDING to his squad rather than allowing key players to depart.
“There’s no update on Jonny. It’s as we were,” said McInnes.
“Jonny was excellent today. He was part of a good team performance.
“His hamstring was a wee bit tight earlier in the week so we didn’t want to take any risk with it.
“The pitch was a bit soft so we got him off and took the opportunity to give others some game time.”
Potential departures aside, The Dons have been strongly linked with a loan move for Preston North End striker Stevie May during this window, while Kris Commons is also reportedly a target.
While the Aberdeen boss refused to comment directly on transfer speculation, it is understood any move for Commons is a non-starter.
However, McInnes did concede he is looking to add the kind of quality former St Johnstone hitman May would offer.
“I’m not going to comment on who we’re linked with,” he said.
“There has been so much written that is wrong, though there have been one or two links that have been right.
“But I’d rather not comment on players until we get them in the door.
“Stevie May is an easy one to be linked with, given my connection.
“But for us, we’re trying to add to the squad and retain what we’ve got.
“We’ve not got the biggest squad, as you can see from the bench today, but we have got good quality.
“It’s important that we try to bring quality where we can, in one or two areas if possible.”