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Jonny Hayes presents SFA with massive dilemma

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Image for Jonny Hayes presents SFA with massive dilemma

Jonny Hayes’ move to Aberdeen has posed a very interesting dilemma for the Scottish Football Association.

The Irishman wants to win trophies at Pittodrie, he will be a first pick in Derek McInnes’ side but will he be banned from playing in the Scottish Cup?

In normal circumstances the answer would be No. Hayes played for Celtic in their march to the semi-final with appearances against Clyde and St Johnstone.

The 2019/20 Scottish Cup however presents the SFA with a problem with at least seven months between the quarter-final and semi-final ties.

If clubs are only allowed to field players that they had in their squad in March the SFA could be watching some seriously under strength sides competing in the semi-finals of their showpiece tournament.

Hearts have shed virtually a dressing room full of players, all four semi-finalists relied heavily on  loan signings to progress in the competition.

Hayes is the obvious test case for the SFA to examine, if they stick rigidly to the rules no one signed during the summer transfer window will be eligible to play in the semi-finals with Hearts meeting Hibs and Celtic facing Aberdeen.

The SFA have lots of issues to deal with currently but Hayes and the Scottish Cup presents a massive dilemma. Do they stick to the rules and watch under-strength teams compete for the oldest trophy in football or bend the rules to put on a spectacle in their high profile competition?

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