Celtic supporters were pleased with the impact of Jonny Hayes at left-back during the club’s slender 1-0 league triumph over Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon.
The 31-year-old has been sparingly used over the course of the season and he made only make his fifth league start of the campaign in a makeshift left-back position this weekend to compensate for Kieran Tierney’s injury.
Despite this, he was one of the best players on the field in what was a relatively cagey affair, and the faithful were quick to point out on the same while suggesting that he should cement the role of back-up left-back ahead of Emilio Izaguirre.
Here are some of the best reactions on Twitter;
Another strong start by Jonny Hayes at LB today. Bit between his teeth, seizing the opportunity like a pro. #Celtic #KILCEL
— Dominik Diamond (@DominikDiamond) February 17, 2019
Jonny Hayes > Andy Robertson.
— Liam King (@LK95_) February 17, 2019
Delighted for Jonny Hayes, always gives everything #Celtic
— Andrew Cosgrave (@cozzie81) February 17, 2019
jonny hayes might just well be our answer for kt’s backup. great game again today ??
— Daemon Reilly (@dreilly89) February 17, 2019
Good game from jonny hayes.should be in there for the rest of season imho?
— Brian L (@BlakFrancis) February 17, 2019
Izaguirre had a forgettable performance against Valencia during the 2-0 Europa League defeat in midweek and manager Brendan Rodgers rightfully went with the reaction from the fans by dropping him from the matchday squad altogether.
In his place, Hayes produced a strong showing on both ends of the pitch despite being a central midfielder by trade and he has now given Rodgers with the added depth in the left-back position, considering he has now secured back-to-back league starts in the same role.
Meanwhile, the Hoops had to sweat it out during the recent league trip to Rugby Park where Steve Clarke’s team were solid with their defensive showing until captain Scott Brown came up with a dramatic winner in the 90th minute of the clash.
The victory has extended their advantage over Old Firm rivals Rangers to eight points at the top of the table and they should now back themselves for an eighth successive league title and their third under Rodgers, barring a sudden dip in form.
