Jonny Hayes remains 'philosophical' despite broken leg, says Brendan Rodgers
Friday 29 December 2017 11:44, UK
Jonny Hayes remains "philosophical" despite the Celtic winger being all but ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with a broken leg, says Brendan Rodgers.
The former Aberdeen player picked up the injury during the first half of Celtic's 2-0 Boxing Day success over Dundee after a collision with defender Josh Meekings.
The 30-year-old, signed by Rodgers in the summer, was made to wait until last Saturday for his first Celtic strike when the Hoops earned a 3-0 victory over Hayes' former side.
"We are obviously gutted for Jonny because he has really settled in over these last few months and you have seen his performance level when he has come on and obviously when he started against Aberdeen," said Rodgers, who apportions no blame to Meekings, ahead of the visit of Rangers on Saturday.
"It is a real shame for him.
"He has had his operation and it looks like he will be out for the rest of the season. He will be in later, he is recovering very well from it.
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"I went to see him in hospital after his operation.
"His wife is expecting their second child on 13th January so there is a bit going on.
"He is a great boy, he is very philosophical about it all and thinking about young Meekings as well, it was just one of those things. It was accidental, both players very committed.
"Jonny has gone into press, the young guy doesn't see him and they clash. So it was unfortunate really."
