Ex-Celtic striker Chris Sutton says he feels the Hoops may have been better served keeping Jonny Hayes rather than allowing the 32-year-old to leave on a free transfer.
The winger is poised to re-join former club Aberdeen but Sutton feels his former team may have missed a trick by letting him go too soon.
Tweeting about Hayes this afternoon, BT pundit cites the player’s work ethic and his consistency as two reasons why he merited being given a contract extension:
Surprised Celtic didn’t hold on to him but good luck to Johnny Hayes on his return to Aberdeen… always gave his all in a Celtic jersey and never let the team down. Decent business for Aberdeen.
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) June 22, 2020
It’s possible that manager Neil Lennon has a replacement in mind for Hayes. The Celtic manager already has two left-backs in Greg Taylor and Boli Bolingoli so the veteran won’t necessarily be missed at the back, but a new winger will be a top priority.
With Hayes and Lewis Morgan having left over the last six months, Mikey Johnston is the only other real option on that side of the pitch so it’s likely the club are targeting someone in that area.