SFA confirm role within international setup for former Celtic midfielder | OneFootball

Former Celtic winger Jonny Hayes will take up a new role within the Scottish FA’s youth set-up. The Irishman, who spent the majority of his playing career in Scotland, will combine his role with Celtic and the National Team.

Hayes has been part of Celtic’s B-team coaching staff since arriving from Aberdeen in July 2024 and has now been given the club’s blessing to work with Scotland’s younger age groups during international breaks. This is not irregular but marks recognition of Hayes as an upcoming coach.

The move comes as part of a wider overhaul of the national-team structure following Sébastien Pocognoli’s appointment as Scotland manager.

Former Dundee United boss Tam Courts is also involved in the revamped pathway, alongside Lee Wallace, Rhys McCabe and Peter Leven.

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In the announcement, Hayes’ role was clarified, assisting David McCallum with the U17s.

“David McCallum also joins the Scottish FA in a full-time capacity and will initially look after Scotland’s Under-17s, alongside Jonny Hayes.

“McCallum is a former Queen’s Park Academy Director and was credited with playing an influential role in the development of Scotland captain Andy Robertson.

“After spells with the Irish Football Association and Scottish FA, working in Coach Education, McCallum spent more than a decade with Rangers – latterly as Interim Academy Director.

“Celtic B Team coach Hayes will be well known to Scottish football supporters after productive stints as a player for Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Aberdeen (twice) and Celtic. Like Wallace, he also brings international experience having played for the Republic of Ireland.”

Hayes will combine his responsibilities at Celtic with the international role, which will help him bring through talent on two fronts. It may also have benefits for Celtic if Hayes is on the grass dealing with talents coming through at our academies.

The arrangement will allow the Irishman to continue his day-to-day development within Celtic’s coaching structure while broadening his experience at international level.

Hayes spent five seasons as a Celtic player after arriving from Aberdeen in 2017, winning multiple domestic honours before later returning to Parkhead in a coaching capacity following the end of his playing career. Hayes made 68 appearances for Celtic, scoring 7 times and assisting on 2 occasions. The pick of the lot was his strike against Rangers at Ibrox for Neil Lennon’s side in 2019.