FORMER Celtic hero Billy Stark has no doubt Jonny Hayes will win over the Hoops faithful in the new season.
The Irishman, who will turn 30 at the start of next month, became Brendan Rodgers’ first signing of the summer when he arrived from Aberdeen in a £1.3million.
Stark was signed by Billy McNeill from the Dons and went on to play a major role in the club’s Centenary Double success in1988.
He said: “I suppose there is a comparison there with Jonny Hayes and myself. He has played with Aberdeen, who have been Celtic’s biggest rivals, for the last few seasons and has now moved to Parkhead.
“It is a real double whammy for Aberdeen. They haven’t only lost one of their best players, he has joined their main opponents.
“I certainly don’t have any doubts Jonny will do well at Celtic.
“The grumbling there has been about his signing, about him ‘only’ costing around £1 million, happened with me to an extent.
“You are termed ‘a bargain buy’. But I was able to overcome any scepticism there was early on, play a part in the team doing well and enjoy success.
“I am sure Jonny will do the same. We are different types of players, obviously. He is a bit quicker than I was. But his whole package is good.
“He is a real out-and-out winger because he takes people on, he can score, he can finish, but he works hard for the team, as well.
“That is what will have interested Brendan, I am sure. Everyone has to work hard for the team under him. He also likes wide players.
“They play a big part in his teams. I think Jonny will maybe surprise quite a few folk.”
