Jonny Hayes says chance of playing Champions League football lured him to Celtic

JONNY HAYES last night cited the chance to play Champions League football as the primary draw behind his move to Celtic.

The Irish internationalist completed his £1.3-million switch from Aberdeen on a three-year contract yesterday, a deal which also sees Ryan Christie loaned to the Dons for the coming season.

And after posing for photos in the green-and-white hoops, he told of his desire to run out wearing them against European giants such as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

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“You can’t get away from the Champions League,” he said.

“I can imagine it is the reason many players have wanted to come here.

“Not only is it the size and the stature of the club, Champions League nights and the atmosphere are a massive factor in wanting to come here.

“Whether you are a football fan or not, everyone knows about the atmosphere of these nights at Celtic Park.”

Over the years, many players brought into Celtic from other Scottish top flight clubs have struggled to make the transition.

In Hayes’ case, though, he will be aided by his existing relationship with the manager Brendan Rodgers.

“Brendan and I go back a long time and he was another huge factor in my wanting to come to Celtic,” said Hayes.

“I still remember how well he looked after me when I went over to England to work under him at Reading. I was away from my family at a young age and he made the extra effort.

“I hadn’t seen him for a few years until the game at Pittodrie early last season. He is still the same man.

“He’s brilliant to work for, someone who looks at every little detail and he’s up there with the best coaches I’ve ever worked for.

“I’m glad I will get the chance to get to play for him again.

“This move has been in the pipeline for a little while now, and I was eager to get it over the line for the last few weeks.

“It is a dream to come true.”