Jonny Hayes to continue dual Aberdeen role for remainder of the season amid Celtic coaching interest

Aberdeen's Jonny Hayes is set to continue in his dual role as player and coach for the remainder of the season amidst Celtic coaching interest, according to Peter Leven.

The 36-year-old winger, whose contract ends in summer, may return to Celtic as a coach under Brendan Rodgers.

Interim boss, Leven has brought him onto his coaching team alongside Scott Anderson recently. Leven mentioned: "There is only myself and Scott Anderson now, who is still doing the 18s. They have games and also the Youth Cup Final, so we are stretched in that just now and Jonny is helping out."

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He added: "I don't know what he is going to do after that. Jonny will play when I need him and he is still there. We are a little bit stretched for coaches, which is why we are all chipping in. Scott and Jonny are helping out."

Hayes, who turns 37 in July, is expected to retire from active football to pursue coaching. His name is one amongst those being considered for an Under-18 and B team coaching roles at Celtic.

Leven can understand the curiosity surrounding the popular Irishman, reports the Daily Record.

Leven continued: "Jonny has opened that door by coaching the Under-16s here. I have seen him put on a couple of sessions and he's a decent coach. What Jonny wants to do, we will support him."

Hayes has been pivotal off the pitch in recent times, serving as Leven's trusted lieutenant from the stands. After a spell away from the touchline, he returned to the bench for the triumphant match against Motherwell, and Leven is well aware of how vital both he and captain Graeme Shinnie are within the team dynamics.

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Leven expressed his appreciation, saying: "Jonny and Shinnie are huge in the dressing room and brilliant for me as a manager. I know they control and police the dressing room and set the standards."

He added: "I know I can trust Jonny in the stand as well. The information he gives me at half-time is vital. As a player and coach, he is brilliant."

Looking ahead, Leven sees a promising future for Ester Sokler at Aberdeen, especially next season. Despite being overshadowed by leading scorer Bojan Miovski, Sokler's performance, including a significant goal against Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final, has not gone unnoticed.

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With Jimmy Thelin at the helm, expectations are high for Sokler to make a more substantial impact. In the meantime, Sokler is set to contribute in the last four games, beginning with the upcoming home game against St Johnstone, as Aberdeen aims for a strong finish.

Leven praised Sokler's work ethic, stating: "Ester is one of the best trainers I have ever seen. He gives everything every day. It is just unfortunate for Ester that Bojan is on 24 goals this season, so he has had to wait. It will be a big season for Ester next year."

He acknowledged Sokler's situation, remarking: "This is his first season and he has done well. Obviously he's not got the game time he wanted but Ester will come good."