Jonny Hayes is delighted to secure another year doing what he loves but his main concern is Aberdeen’s results rather than his own involvement.
The 35-year-old this week signed on for a 10th season at Pittodrie after helping the Dons complete six consecutive wins in the cinch Premiership.
Hayes, whose two spells at Aberdeen sandwiched a stint at Celtic, said: “I am very happy to be playing on. This place is like my second home.
“I am still enjoying my football and the club have also allowed me to do some coaching with the academy as well so it all ties in nicely together and I am delighted to stay.
“Our recent run gives us something to build on, during these final six games and then on to next season.
“Whatever part I play going forward, whether it be large or small, it does not bother me. I am happy to be here and help out.
“You want to play as much as possible, but if there is someone else playing in my position and the team are winning, I am happy. It is all about the team.
“I have said before that this is the best job in the world. It is something we would all do for free.
“If I was not playing professionally I would be playing with my friends at five-a-sides league. I love playing football and I will keep doing so whilst I am fit and can contribute to the team.
“If it ever gets to the stage where I don’t feel like that, I will know when the time is right to call it a day.”
Hayes is in line to feature against Rangers on Sunday after starting the past four games.
“It is a big fixture in the Scottish calendar and is one that I enjoy,” he said. “It is always played at a very good tempo and everyone associated with both clubs know just how important the game is.
“I have always said being there that you try to win every game no matter who it is you are playing against, so the game on Sunday is no different. “Having that run of games does give us extra confidence and the team is in a good place going into Sunday.
“The emphasis is only on three points, but I understand the magnitude of the fixture, and it is one that we want to win.”
