Hayden was at Selhurst Park in the week for a testimonial game that he played briefly in, allowing him to engage in some banter about the play-offs - and possibly meeting in Cardiff at the end of the month.
"I just made an appearance in Steve Kember's testimonial; he was very good to me when I was at Palace," explains Hayden.
"The gaffer played nearly 20 minutes as well - he is a better manager now than he is as a player!
"It was nothing, really, just a little walkabout."
As for Palace squeezing into the playoffs courtesy of Deano, Hayden says:
"They are all very delighted, but at the same time they are saying we may live to regret it if we play them in the final; Andy Johnson, for instance, mentioned that.
"Let's just hope we do get them in the final and beat them.
"All the fans are telling me to give Deano a big kiss but I don't think I will be doing that - but he is very welcome down there!
"The result was just for us on Sunday, trying to keep the run going as we headed for the play-offs - that is what we have done now, and we have to keep going."
Hayden can't wait to play Ipswich and adds:
"All the lads are very confident going into the game and there is nothing to hold us back.
"We know how important these games are and I am looking forward to it.
"They like to play football, as do we, and it is a lovely pitch, so I think it will be a good game.
"We are relishing it, and if we can use the surface better than them we will be okay.
"I haven't got any nerves yet but I might have a few five or 10 minutes before kick-off.
"It is a strange kick-off time and not one I have got used to, but we have done quite well with it.
"You have to get up earlier than normal and it is weird one trying to combine breakfast with a pre-match meal and not eat too much."
Hayden numbers some friends in the Ipswich camp and adds:
"I know a few of them; Jermaine Wright is a good player and they have other good ones like Jim Magilton.
"We all know what they can do if you give them time and space on the ball, but I think we will be looking just to get around them, shut that space off - and we will definitely be going for the win.
"We are all feeling fit and fresh and there is a full squad for the gaffer to pick from so we are going into the games very sharp."
As for the draw at Wigan, he says:
"The first half was what we expected, really; they came at us all guns blazing and took the lead.
"It was exactly what we thought would happen, them going for it, but the second half died down a little bit once they knew the result at Crystal Palace.
"So it was a bad blow for them when Deano scored."
But not, of course, a blow to Deano's popularity in one part of south London...