Jonathan Hayes (born 9 July 1987) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a winger for the Scottish Premiership team Aberdeen and Republic of Ireland. He began his career in England with Reading, but did not break through to their first team, serving two loan spells prior to being released. Picked up by Leicester City, his opportunities were also limited and again he went out on loan twice. He joined Inverness Caledonian Thistle in Scotland in 2009, becoming an important member of the team, a status he also enjoyed after moving on to Aberdeen three years later. In 2017 he signed for Celtic, the reigning Scottish champions, helping them to defend their title and win the following two as a squad member, sometimes playing at left back; he left in 2020 and returned to Aberdeen in June 2020. Club career Early career Hayes was born in Dublin, County Dublin. He started his career at Reading, but with first team opportunities limited, he joined Forest Green Rovers on loan in February 2006, scoring on his debut in the FA Trophy against Dorchester Town. He spent a month on loan at Chesterfield in October 2006 without making an appearance, and in January 2007, was loaned to MK Dons until the end of the 2006–07 season. Leicester City On 6 June 2007, Hayes was released by Reading at the end of his contract. He joined Leicester City on a three-year deal on 4 July 2007, and made his league debut against Blackpool on 11 August. On 20 July 2009, Hayes was released from his Leicester contract by mutual consent. Northampton Town (loan) On 7 January 2008, Hayes joined Northampton Town on loan until the end of the season. On 13 October, Hayes joined Cheltenham Town on a trial period, with a view to a loan move, a move which was confirmed on 20 October 2008. Inverness Caledonian Thistle On 22 July 2009, Hayes joined Scottish First Division side Inverness Caledonian Thistle after a successful trial period. Inverness were promoted to the Scottish Premier League at the end of the 2009–10 season. Hayes was part of the team that guided Inverness to the Challenge Cup final against Dundee. Hayes was involved in setting up both goals for Adam Rooney and Nauris Bulvitis, however, the Highlanders lost out 3–2 to Dundee at McDiarmid Park in Perth Hayes was linked with a move away from