Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes admits the availability of Jonny Hayes for this Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final is a pleasant surprise.
The Republic of Ireland international played for former club Celtic in the previous round of the competition, coming on as a late substitute for Greg Taylor in a 1-0 win at St Johnstone.
Hayes was released by Celtic in the summer and returned to Pittodrie for a second spell, having agreed to defer his wages for a year and help ease the financial burden on the Dons during the coronavirus pandemic.
McInnes feared the 33-year-old would be cup-tied for Sunday’s showdown against Hayes’ former side and is delighted the Scottish FA have granted special dispensation for players who have already represented another club in the competition to play in the semi-finals, which were originally scheduled to take place on April 11 and 12.
Hayes recovered from a groin injury sustained in the 4-2 win against Hamilton Accies to feature for the Dons in Sunday’s 3-3 league draw with the Hoops at Pittodrie.
When asked if he was surprised by the Scottish FA’s decision, McInnes said: “Yes I was. I wasn’t convinced that was ever going to be the case but he shouldn’t be denied that chance.
“It was brilliant even getting the news on Sunday morning that Jonny had no adverse reaction to Saturday’s training and would be able to play.
“Defensively and with his work in his own half Jonny is very good. But he still carries that fight for us, that torch for us going forward. He is a really inspirational player for us.
“We had the conversation with Jonny in the summer that playing in the semi-final was so important for him. That was one of the first things he mentioned.
“Trying to be part of a successful Aberdeen team was important to Jonny as well as it is for us all.
“It is great that he is available for us both after his injury last week and being able to perform in the semi-final.”
Aberdeen attacker Niall McGinn said recently that he believes Hayes has returned to Pittodrie as a better player following his three years at Celtic Park.
During his time with the Hoops, former Caley Thistle winger Hayes won three league titles as well as two League Cup and one Scottish Cup winner’s medals.
McInnes said: “I think Jonny would say himself he maybe wasn’t as focused in the early part of his career. We got a hold of him here and his consistency and fitness were really what got him his move to Celtic. He was a key player for a number of years.
“The experience of having to be that type of person to be able to play for Celtic means he has probably matured a wee bit more. We get the stats and he is still as quick as he was.
“He is maybe better at receiving the ball facing the opposition goal rather than with his back to play when he used to play for me as a left or right winger. A lot of the time he would receive the ball with his back to play and would be able to manipulate his way out of certain things.
“Facing the play and being a wing-back is perfect for him. He can play as a raiding full-back at times. It is great he can play different positions and I see what Niall means.
“He is probably more rounded and maybe appreciates what he has got a bit more. He is getting into the last few years of his career and that realism can spur players on.
“He wants to be as professional as he can be to make the most of what he has got. I would agree with Niall.”