Friday, March 29, 2024
SportScottish PremiershipAberdeen sweating over fitness of Jonny Hayes for Europa League opener

Aberdeen sweating over fitness of Jonny Hayes for Europa League opener

BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport

ABERDEEN look to have worries over the fitness of winger Jonny Hayes ahead of their Europa League encounter with Luxembourg outfit Fola Esch next week.

The Irishman limped out of Thursday’s friendly against Hearts in St Andrews as the Dons stepped up their preparations for the first-leg of the first-round qualifier at Pittodrie next Thursday.

The 28-year-old picked up a knock in the 3-0 victory over Welsh Champions League competitors The New Saints on Monday but was deemed fit enough to start against Hearts.

Aberdeen-Hearts

However, the former Inverness Caley Thistle player lasted just 25 minutes before signalling to the Dons management team that he should be replaced.

The ongoing issue will be of concern to manager Derek McInnes, whose side defeated their Premiership rivals 1-0 thanks to a first-half header from full-back Shay Logan.

Hearts, who fielded separate teams in both halves, including trialist keepers Danny Amos and Viktor Noring, missed a penalty in the second-half when Arnaud Djoum smacked his effort off the crossbar.

@IainCollin

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