After signing his new deal on Thursday, Jonny Hayes was the player who was put up to press.

“I am very happy to be playing on. This place is like my second home. I am still enjoying my football and the club have also allowed me to do some coaching with the academy as well so it all ties in nicely together and I am delighted to stay.

“Our recent run gives us something to build on, during these final six games and then onto next season.

“Whatever part I play going forward, whether it be large or small, it does not bother me. I am happy to be here and help out. You want to play as much as possible, but if there is someone else playing in my position and the team are winning, I am happy. It is all about the team.

“I have said before that this is the best job in the world. It is something we would all do for free. If I was not playing professionally I would be playing with my fiends in a five side league. I love playing football and I will keep doing so whilst I am fit and can contribute to the team.

“If it ever gets to the stage where I don’t feel like that, I will know when the time is right to call it a day.”

Jonny was then asked about Sunday’s cinch Premiership clash with Rangers.

“It is a big fixture in the Scottish calendar and is one that I enjoy. It is always played at a very good tempo and everyone associated with both clubs know how just how important the game is.

“I have always said being there that you try to win every game no matter who it is you are playing against, so the game on Sunday is no different. Having that run of games does give us extra confidence and the team is in a good place going into Sunday.

“The fans have been brilliant for us in the last couple of years, especially when they haven’t had too much to be joyful about. They have been brilliant supporting us home and away and it is no surprise that they will be turning out in their numbers on Sunday.

“The emphasis is only on three points, but I understand the magnitude of the fixture, and it is one that we want to win. It is 11 v 11 and we are at home so we will look to impose our style of play on the game.”

As a senior and respected player in Scottish football, the Irishman spoke generally about the current use of VAR in football, and the impact it is having on the game, not just in Scotland.

“I don’t want to delve into what is going on behind the scenes, but for me it is frustrating about the way the game is going.

“I am not pointing any fingers at any officials, but my opinion about the way VAR is being used is that it is taking the enjoyment out of football. I think we are going way over the top with it, as the game is becoming so stop-start.

“I actually spoke to a couple of the Ross County players after the game who felt that it was stopping any momentum they had, and that’s how I would have felt too.

“I am not enjoying the use of VAR and I know that there are a lot of people who feel the same way.”

He also expressed concerns players have about the appeal process.

“All I can say is that the PFA speak on behalf of the majority of football players in Scotland. I have been a part of an appeals process, so I tend towards leaning on what the PFA have had to say (in their recent statement).”