JONNY HAYES revealed he’s been made to feel very welcome following his £1m switch from Aberdeen to Celtic – even by Rangers fans.
The winger concluded a three-year deal in June to become Brendan Rodgers’ first signing of the summer and admitted he was wary of what to expect in the Old Firm Glasgow goldfish bowl. But he admitted he has had no problems adjusting so far.
He said: “I’ve settled in fine and everyone has been so welcoming. On and off the pitch when you go to a new club it’s like the first day of school and you don’t know what to expect. But everyone else has been brilliant with me. There were things like trying to find a new house with the club helping me and we eventually found a place and move in this week. It will be nice to get the family down.
Read more: Jonny Hayes recalls agony and ecstasy of previous League Cup final appearance at Celtic Park
“I’ve not really been out much due to pre-season and having a lot of games. But on the odd time I’ve been out and about both sides of the Old Firm have been brilliant and welcoming which was maybe surprising. I’ve been into town with my little boy and there’s been no problems.
“On the second or third day I stopped at a retail park in Bishopbriggs for a coffee and a couple of guys came over for a chat. I didn’t ask who they supported and assumed they were Celtic fans. But at the end they told me they were Rangers fans and they were both really nice. It can be intense at time from the outside looking in but everyone has been brilliant with me so far.
“You see on social media [the rivalry] so you’re on your toes and looking about a bit more. You have to keep your wits about you. But I think there can be that mutual respect between players and fans. If you show respect to fans – even opposition fans – then often you’ll get that back. I don’t go away out of my way to speak to opposition fans but if people see you’re keeping your head down and just playing football as it’s your job then you get that understanding.”
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