NEIL LENNON has told Celtic fans he will have no issues putting Jonny Hayes in at left-back on Thursday against Lazio if Bol Nolingoli doesn’t make the trip to Rome.
Boli didn’t emerge for the second half of the semi-final at Hampden on Saturday with Neil Lennon confirming the player had a hamstring issue. If the Celtic gaffer and the backroom staff don’t want to take a chance with the left-back on Thursday night then Neil is ready with a contingency plan.
“I wouldn’t have any concerns [playing Jonny Hayes in Rome]. We need to see how Boli is, but Jonny has done well.” Lennon told Sunsport.
“We’ve also got Greg Taylor as well, so there are ready-made replacements if needed.
“Do we believe we can win the game? Yeah, but we know how difficult it’s going to be. We also think we can get beaten.”
Verdict
Jonny Hayes has been average, for the most part, this season when called upon. The Irishman is Celtic’s most used substitute this term but it’s plain to see he’s not a left-back.
If you know well in advance you’re going to need a left-back for this game then surely you play the guy who you brought in to play the position – Greg Taylor.
Neil has been adamant Taylor has not had as many chances because Hayes can play a number of positions but in this instance, the only thing that should stop Taylor coming in is his lack of game time and match sharpness. This is something which could have been rectified over the past month.
If Boli makes it then it would be the best possible outcome.
