Hayes catches Lenny’s gaze for a fresh deal
NEIL LENNON has revealed he’s kicked off contract talks with Jonny Hayes. The 32-year-old utility man’s current deal is up at the end of the season but the Hoops boss is keen to tie him down on an extension. Lennon – who admitted Hayes won’t be fit to face former club Aberdeen today – said: “Offering him a new contract is something we’re looking at and we’ve held tentative talks with his representatives. He’s one I’d definitely like to hold on to.
“He brings certain qualities to us. He’s direct, quick and he delivers an end product with his crosses.
“He didn’t come here as a left-back but he has played against Rangers, in cup semi-finals and in Rome and was excellent. He does a really good job for me and in any physical examinations we have, he’s up there at the top.
“He can be under-rated and goes under the radar at times but he does a fine job.”
Hayes has been playing through the pain barrier with a busted shoulder but it will rule him out taking on the Dons at Celtic Park.
Lennon said: “He’s got a lot going on his shoulder, quite apart from the recent injury, and he was in some discomfort on Wednesday. He played on but he’s too sore to take part against Aberdeen.”
Lennon revealed he’s not had any bids yet for his fringe men and insisted Celtic had not made a move for Andraz Sporar of Slovan Bratislava.
The Hoops boss said: “We haven’t made a bid. We’re looking at options going forward but there has been no bid from us.”