After winning the AFC Goal of the Season, Player’s Player Award and AFC Player of the Year prize at the fifth AFC Player of the Year Dinner, sponsored by Universal Inspection (UK) Ltd, Jonny Hayes spoke to RedTV:

“Obviously I am delighted.

“You don’t really expect individual rewards. You set out to try and win things as a team, do well as a team, any individual awards are a bonus.

“To have been voted player of the year by the fans and my fellow players in very special. To have won the goal of the season prize as well made it a very good night.

“The boys in the dressing room, we are one big close family. We see each other every day. We all get on very well. We are all the best of friends. For them to recognise my performances means a lot. I must add though that I could not play well without all my team mates round about me doing their job as well.”

As well as picking up the three trophies, Jonny has also been nominated for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award which will be announced on Sunday. When you also add his recent Republic of Ireland caps, it has been quite a season for Jonny despite the fact he has missed some games through injury.

“I worked very hard on my fitness a couple of years ago. It means that even if I do get injured, I have always managed to get straight back into the team. I have always had the fitness levels to do that. A lot of hard work has paid off for me.

“The season is not over yet. There are still four games to go. Whatever happens it is important we finish the season strongly.”