Celtic manager Neil Lennon has said that early talks have begun over a new contract for Johnny Hayes.

The versatile 32-year-old is nearing the end of his current contract but Lennon said he is keen to keep the player on the books.

"We've just had tentative talks at the moment but we'll see how that goes," he said.

The Celtic boss said the player's ability to fulfil several roles, in addition to his physical attributes, made him a useful part of the first team group.

"I like him," he said. "He's done really well for me. I think he can play a number of positions and he's very fit and very quick. he's a good squad player.

"Put it this way, since I've come in he's not let me down."

Hayes has been used at left back often this season when Boli Bolingoli has not been available but that has raised questions about full-back Greg Taylor, who moved from Kilmarnock in the summer. Lennon said there was no cause for concern and Taylor was expected to come into contention in the long-term.

"Everybody wants to pick the team," he said. "Greg's on a long term contract and he will be here long-term. He's in a squad that's very high-calibre.

"He's had a few opportunities, he's done absolutely fine and he's working away. He's working to the point where hopefully he'll be a first team regular going forward."

Slovan Bratislava claimed this week that Celtic had lodged a bid for Andraz Sporar with several clubs in the hunt for the player.

Lennon said: "We haven't made a bid. We are looking at options going forward but there's been no bid from us. He is an option and one of a number we are looking at."