Jonny Hayes has gone back to the past to make sure he is part of Aberdeen ’s future.
The 34-year-old might be getting to the veteran stage but has rolled back the years in recent weeks and has been a standout for Stephen Glass ’s side.
Hayes is back with his bleached blond hair again from the 2016-17 season and manager Glass has also pushed him forward into a more attacking role –where he initially made his name.
The Irishman is out of contract in the summer and is desperate to remain at Pittodrie.
When asked about his future, Hayes said: “Yes, I have spoken to the club. We have had general conversations but the focus has been on the transfer window in recent weeks and months.
“I am not too bothered. I am happy playing football and helping the team.
“Whatever happens in football happens. I would like to stay. I am quite settled here.”
Hayes is now deep into his second spell at Aberdeen. He was the standout in the midweek draw with Ross County with his goal and the threat of his all-round attacking play.
Hayes was just disappointed that it couldn’t bring more than a point.
He said: “Ultimately, my goal didn’t matter too much because we didn’t win.
“I have said before it is not about scoring goals, it is about picking up three points and we didn’t achieve that.
“If we had a wee bit more of a cutting edge we would have won it, 100 percent.
“The last 10 minutes was a bit like basketball. They had a few set pieces but there was no lack of effort or work ethic that stopped either team from winning.”
The former Celtic and Inverness ace has been employed more as a left-back in recent seasons but is delighted Glass has let him get forward.
Hayes said: “The formation allows a bit more flexibility, when we have Dylan (McGeouch) and Scott (Brown) able to drop in. It allows us to make runs knowing that people are still there to shut the back door. I like it further up the pitch but I enjoy defending as well.
“I will play anywhere but it is nice to contribute further up.”
The Aberdeen star acknowledged it is a very different game when he has to play at left-back.
“It is more about knowing your role,” Hayes claimed.
“I maybe get too excited when I am playing at the back. At times I feel there is an onus on me but as a defender your job is to keep a clean sheet.”
Aberdeen have struggled a lot on their travels. Hayes believes they have been caught too much on the counter and that is something they will need to avoid at Livingston this weekend.
He said: “Playing on the road, the way we play as a team, we are a bit more possession-based than most.
“It leaves us vulnerable to sucker punches and that has happened too often this year. It is still a learning process but we know there is not that long left in the season.”
