Celtic and Ireland winger Jonny Hayes thanks fans after suffering leg break

He's already showing a lot of spirit.

Jonny Hayes took to social media to thank fans for their support after he suffered a broken leg playing for Celtic. The Republic of Ireland international will miss the rest of the season after sustaining a fractured tibia in the Hoops' St Stephen's Day victory over Dundee. Hayes, 30, posted a photo on his Instagram account, saying:

“Football has its ups and downs but it’s still the best job in the world! I’d just like to thank everyone for their well wishes, it does mean a lot. “I’m lucky enough to have a great medical team behind me and a brilliant bunch of boys that I’ll still see every day, so things could always be worse!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdOLY3LhhTz/ For a man who has just broken his leg and faces a long road to recovery, Hayes was refreshingly upbeat. It's admirable that he was able to look on the bright side Earlier, Celtic had confirmed that Hayes had broken his leg after coming out worse in a nasty collision with Dundee defender Josh Meekings.

"Celtic Football Club has to report that, regrettably, Jonny Hayes suffered a broken leg during the game against Dundee at Dens Park," the club said in a statement. "Jonny had surgery today and will now be out for some time as he begins the long road back to full fitness. He will make a full recovery but he's unlikely to feature again this season. "He will receive the best care and attention throughout the months ahead, while the thoughts and best wishes of everyone at Celtic and, indeed, the whole Celtic family, are with Jonny. "

The injury means Hayes will not be available for selection for Ireland's upcoming friendly against Turkey in March, while it's doubtful he will recover in time for the clash with France on May 28. https://twitter.com/celticfc/status/946106993391042560