Jonny Hayes “more than happy” to sign contract extension with Dons

Jonny Hayes has signed a contract extension that will see him remain with Aberdeen until at least the summer of 2019.

The 29-year-old midfielder was the subject of three failed bids from English Championship side Cardiff City in the recent transfer window.

The Irishman, who has scored six times in 26 appearances this season, said it was an easy decision to make after being in discussions with Dons manager Derek McInnes since the autumn.

Hayes said: “I was more than happy to sign again and I have appreciated every minute that I have been here and I am still enjoying it as well working under the manager.

“When I signed the last extension, I think it was three years ago, I always said that as long as he was here I would be happy to stay and I think that is the same with a lot of the boys.”

Signed from Inverness in June 2012, the Republic of Ireland international began his career in the Reading youth system before moving to Leicester City and Cheltenham Town.