Lennon squad the fittest I’ve played with, insists Hayes
JONNY HAYES last night declared the current Celtic squad to be the fittest group of players he’s ever worked with. Despite only returning victorious from Rome early on Friday morning, Neil Lennon’s side still had enough in the tank to see off Motherwell and ensure they remain top of the Premiership table by a single goal.
The sponsors’ man of the match after a tireless display in yesterday’s 2-0 win, the Dubliner feels that the squad at the manager’s disposal could not be in better physical shape as they continue what is shaping up to be another mammoth season.
‘I have never been involved in a fitter squad of players,’ said the 32-year-old.
‘The captain (Scott Brown) leads by example. But the workrate week in, week out from the likes of Browny, Cal (Callum McGregor) and Ryan (Christie), it’s second nature at this stage. Especially for some of the players who have been playing 60 games a season for the last three or four years.’
With Hayes setting a high tempo, the prospect of Celtic slipping up in the final game before the international break looked slim from the moment Odsonne Edouard fired them in front on 19 minutes.
Reflecting on a convincing display which secured a seventh straight win across all competitions, Hayes added: ‘Obviously, three points was the most important thing. But it was important we put on a decent display as well on the back of Thursday night.
‘The manager made sure that we didn’t dwell on that. It was on our minds as we got back to Lennoxtown to prepare for this game. But it was good.
‘We won three points, but I thought it was a dominant performance. I thought we played well. We go into the break on the back of a good run of results.’
One of many heroes in Rome, Hayes is adamant there was never any chance of him losing a sense of perspective as he got his head back into the bread and butter of the league.
‘My son at home is my biggest critic,’ he smiled.
‘I got back in from Rome at 5am and he woke me up at 8am to tell me I was at fault for a couple of free-kicks!
‘When you get that at home, everything else pales into insignificance.’
Having lost at Livingston on the back of a victory over Cluj early last month, Lennon scarcely had to underscore the dangers that lurked in hosting a high-flying Motherwell team.
‘We had this conversation yesterday,’ Hayes revealed.
‘But it was good to have a home game. With all the supporters there in a packed stadium and with a good football pitch, you don’t need any extra incentive to go and perform on the back of Thursday night.
‘It was a good result for the club, but we come back to a home game in front of a full house. All the motivation we needed was there.’
Out of contract at the end of this season, Hayes’ worth to the squad has rarely been more evident than in the past week.
Although Lennon was effusive in his praise of his contributions to the point where the Celtic manager strongly hinted at a new contract, the Irishman isn’t getting ahead of himself.
‘I’ve got two young kids to provide for and that’s my motivation, whether it’s here, there or anywhere,’ said Hayes.
‘I take my football day by day. I don’t think about the future. What will be, will be.
‘I knew when I signed here that I was going to be in and out sometimes.
‘I know how the squad works here but I won’t complain.
‘I’ve cherished every minute I’ve had on the pitch since I got the bad injury. I’m always there when the manager calls.’
Hayes was more forthcoming on the chances of Lennon’s No2 John Kennedy being allowed to leave for the vacancy Hibs are seeking to fill after sacking manager Paul Heckingbottom. ‘I can’t see it myself,’ said the former Aberdeen winger. ‘It’s obvious he’s going to be a manager one day. The work he does here, he’s been enormous behind the scenes. ‘He was a great player but he’s an outstanding coach.’