OPINION
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has not had the best of luck when it has come to injuries this season, especially when it comes to his options at left back.
Seeing Kieran Tierney ruled out back in December was a hefty blow in itself – the Scottish international still not back in action as of yet – but to see Emilio Izaguirre follow his teammate into the treatment room was a setback that the boss really could have done without.
With no other recognised options to fill the void, Rodgers had his arm twisted into putting makeshift options into the gap, with natural wingers Callum McGregor and Jonny Hayes both taking stints in a new position.
While the former has moved into a midfield role, the latter has actually flourished in defence, looking resolute when the opposition are in possession and offering a dangerous option down the flank when attacking.
It has been a surprise twist of fate for a man who looked as though his Parkhead career was dead and buried, with just two league appearances from the beginning of the season in August until the start of December.
However, despite being a surprise star in the Celtic side, his time in the line up looks to be under immediate threat thanks to the return of Kieran Tierney.
In a behind-the-scenes reveal, Rodgers confirmed that the left back is targeting a return against Motherwell, leaving Hayes with just one more game as first choice before facing a serious challenger for his position.
Speaking to Celtic TV, as quoted by the Scottish Sun, the manager said: “By the end of this week, it will be two full weeks Kieran has trained with the squad. We would hope that by Motherwell at the weekend he would be in with a chance.
“We’ll assess that and see how it goes. But he’s looking very strong and is back to his running ability of which he showed before the injury. We’re hoping that come the weekend he will be fine.”
With the Europa League trip to Valencia the only game between now and the Motherwell showdown, Hayes is surely in the last chance saloon to keep his spot in the side – and even a good performance might not be enough to convince Rodgers not to swing the axe.
He has got to play out of his skin against the Spanish side if he has any chance of keeping his place.