ABERDEEN manager Derek McInnes has urged any potential suitors to his prize asset Jonny Hayes to “be serious” in any forthcoming bids for the Irishman.
Hayes has been in excellent form for the Pittodrie club this season, alerting the likes of Cardiff manager Neil Warnock. An offer in the region of £500,000 was rejected by Aberdeen on Friday, leading McInnes, who is currently enjoying the winter break in Dubai with his players, to issue a warning to any interested parties.
“Like anyone, it’s flattering to be linked with a good Championship club. But I think we have created an environment here which is going to be a wrench for any of our players to leave,” said McInnes.
“When there is interest, it is only natural to have your head turned a bit, but Jonny accepts he has work to do with us and that’s how it has to stay until we decide. He’s a good boy and you want the best for him, so that’s why we say be serious to anyone who is interested. If not, leave the boy alone and let him get on with his football.
“He seems fine. He’s neither up nor down, scored the goal and worked his shift. He knows how things work as an experienced player. Jonny just wants to try and progress his own career and if a move to another club helps him do that, we’ll need to deal with it when it comes along.
“But for now, he’s our player and we want that to remain the case for the rest of the season.”
Hayes proved his worth yet again with an influential performance in Aberdeen’s victory over Uzbekistan side FC Bunyodkor yesterday. The Irishman tapped in Graeme Shinnie’s low cross before returning the favour for the winning goal in a 2-1 victory.
Though pleased with the result, McInnes highlighted his side’s performance while questioning the relative merits of their trip to Dubai during the winter break.
“It’s one of those ones as the game comes along when you start to wonder whether or not you have done the right thing,” added McInnes. “Most managers have spoken about it. We’ve all talked after games and everyone was keen to find out what each other was doing.
“The win wasn’t the most important thing, but it was a wee bonus and it just keeps the players making decisions and you can’t get that in training.”
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