CELTIC winger Jonny Hayes has been dropped from Martin O’Neill’s final Republic of Ireland squad for the crucial World Cup play-off against Denmark.

The 30-year-old had been included in the provisional 34-man selection for Saturday’s trip Copenhagen and the return leg three days later.

But having played only 26 minutes of first-team action for the Hoops in the last month, the playmaker has been dropped by O’Neill.

Since making the summer switch from Aberdeen, the four-time capped Hayes has struggled for game time with Celtic, having only started three Premiership games this season.

The Dublin-born player came off the bench in the 77th minute of Saturday’s 4-0 victory at St Johnstone.

Former Hoops pair Aidan McGeady and Daryl Murphy have both made the final cut.

Meanwhile, Hayes’ international team-mate Anthony Stokes will not be hit with any retrospective punishment for his off-the-ball clash with Dundee defender Jack Hendry.

Dark Blues manager Neil McCann was angry at John Beaton’s failure to send off the Hibernian striker for seeming to punch Hendry in the privates during a second-half flashpoint on Saturday.

Hendry was left writhing on the ground in agony following the exchange that was sparked by a Ryan Porteous foul on Paul McGowan.

However, crucially, former Celtic man Stokes – who subsequently laid on Hibs’ winner for Simon Murray in the 2-1 victory – was booked at the time.

Scottish FA compliance office Tony McGlennan is aware of the incident but, with Beaton comfortable with his original decision to show a yellow card, will not be called on to consider further action.