Scott Brown and Kieran Tierney led the tributes to Jonny Hayes after the Irishman announced his departure from Celtic last night.
The popular winger took to Instagram to announce the news with thousands of messages pouring in from across the Celtic support.
Over the last 13 months Hayes has delivered 8-in-a-row and 9, an outstanding performance in the 2019 Scottish Cup Final, a goal at Ibrox and a brave League Cup Final display despite playing with a strapped up shoulder which had recently been dislocated.
From within the Celtic dressing room Scott Brown said: “Going to miss you my man. What a man and what a player. Hard going in the dressing room to replace.”
From London Kieran Tierney added: “What a guy mate, memories that no one can ever take away.”
Despite the late Fridat night announcement Ryan Christie, Leigh Griffiths, Mikael Lustig, Dedryk Boyata, Erik Sviatchenko and Scott Sinclair were among those thanking Hayes for his time at the club.
Brendan Rodgers paid Aberdeen £1.3m for Hayes soon after he scored against Celtic in the 2017 Scottish Cup Final but his first season was halted by a broken leg over the festive fixtures.
Over the last two seasons he has mainly been involved as a back-up left-back, whatever the circumstances that he was called upon the quality of performance matched his commitment.
As he heads off into a new stage in his career Hayes can be assured that his goal at Ibrox won’t be forgotten wherever in the world he ends up.
