Hayes happy to have a new challenge

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Heather Miller

2025-02-08T06:00+00:00

Caitlin Hayes is relishing a new challenge after three successful years with Celtic. 📸 James Boardman

Ahead of today's Adobe Women's FA Cup tie against Aston Villa, we sat down with January signing Caitlin Hayes to talk about her move to the WSL from Celtic.

Caitlin, it's been a couple of weeks since you signed for the club. How have you settled in?

"I'm extremely grateful and excited for the opportunity that Brighton have given me by allowing me to play in the WSL. It's been a whirlwind few weeks and I can't wait to just get going."

Caitlin Hayes trains ahead of today's FA Cup tie against Aston Villa. 📷 Paul Hazlewood.

What do you hope to add to this squad?

"I want help the team in any way, shape or form. I'm not somebody that shies away from helping where's it's needed.

"Ultimately, as a player, you want to be surrounded by quality and probably be a little bit out of your depth initially, because that's when you learn whether you can swim or not. You find out whether you fight or flight and hopefully get the right reaction. I'm just excited to be surrounded by quality players I can train and play with every day."

You had a very successful three-and-a-half seasons at Celtic, winning three trophies. How do you reflect on your time there?

"I could talk about that club all day. It's home and there's been no greater honour in my career than to put on that jersey. I'm thankful that it's given me the opportunity to come to a club like Brighton and to see whether what I've done in the Scottish League and at Celtic can translate into the WSL.

"It's something that's going to be a challenge and it'll take time, but it's a challenge that I'm excited about. It has been hard to leave home, but I'm looking forward to my time at Brighton."

How excited are you to be able to work with Dario [Vidosic] and the coaching staff?

"Excitement is the right word. It's going to be a little uncomfortable at the beginning, having been in the same regime at Celtic for three-and-a-half years working with two great coaches.

"Ultimately, whenever you put in a different situation, there's always growth to come from being uncomfortable but I'm excited for it. Whatever I can bring to the team to enhance it and help Brighton climb up that table I'm here and willing to do."