Ireland and Celtic winger Jonny Hayes out for six months after surgery on broken leg

Republic of Ireland and Celtic winger Jonny Hayes is set to miss at least six months after breaking his leg in the St Stephen's Day win over Dundee at Dens Park.

 

The Glasgow club confirmed on Wednesday that the Dubliner will miss at least the rest of the league season after sustaining a fractuted tibia on just his sixth start for the club.

 

Hayes was stretchered from the field just 28 minutes into the festive clash – which finished 2-0 to the visitors – following a clash with Josh Meekings,

 

And he's set to miss out on Ireland's friendlies against France and Turkey in March, as well as soon-to-be announced games in June, after undergoing corrective surgery.

 

A statement read: "Jonny had surgery today and will now be out for some time as he begins the long road back to full fitness. He will make a full recovery but he’s unlikely to feature again this season.

 



"He will receive the best care and attention throughout the months ahead, while the thoughts and best wishes of everyone at Celtic and, indeed, the whole Celtic Family, are with Jonny."

 

The 30-year-old has had to be patient in the quest for regular gametime since his move from fellow Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen during the summer, making just 15 appearances.

 

Hayes appeared on the bench in three of Celtic's Champions League qualifiers against Linfield and Rosenborg, but has yet to make an appearance in the group stages.

 



The form of established pair Scott Sinclair and James Forrest has limited the former Cherry Orchard man to just six starts and nine substitute appearances.

 

He scored his first goal for Celtic against his former club Aberdeen before Christmas and was rewarded with a starting spot at Dundee, only for the day to turn sour after 28 minutes.