Celtic are set to add a former player to the coaching ranks, primarily working with youngsters coming through the club’s Academy set-up.
Jonny Hayes made 67 appearances for the Bhoys between 2017 and 2020, having been signed as a winger during Brendan Rodgers’ first spell as a manager.
Now he’s closing in on a return to the Bhoys as the club put the pieces in place to better prepare young talents on the pathway to the first team.
The Scottish Sun reports that Celtic is likely to be his next destination after his exit from Aberdeen was confirmed, despite the Dons offering him a coaching role.
Celtic have advertised for several youth development jobs in recent weeks and months, first appointing Darren O’Dea as Player Pathway Manager. The club are also thought to be looking for a U18s head coach after the departure of Stuart McLaren.
Hayes has already taken first steps into coaching
Hayes was still under a playing contract with Aberdeen before his recent exit but had already gotten involved on the coaching side of things.
Peter Leven explained last month that the former Republic of Ireland international had been pitching in with help, working with the U16s and U18s.
Hayes is also enrolled on the UEFA Pro-Licence course alongside other former Celtic favourites such as Scott Brown and Charlie Mulgrew.
Some may not regard the 36-year-old as a very ambitious appointment but he’s a person that Brendan Rodgers trusts and he also knows exactly what the manager is looking for in terms of playing style.
Back in April, Rodgers indicated he was keen to utilise the club’s Academy more during his spell as manager.