Game time right on cue for Jones-Thomas

Mason Jones-Thomas has wasted no time making an impression for Swansea City Under-23s, but the young winger could easily have been focusing on a career hitting the target on the green baize rather than the green grass of the football pitch.

The 18-year-old has been getting game time under his belt for the development side having been handed his debut earlier in 2019.

He will be hoping to kick on and one day make the first-team set-up, but the youngster was also naturally talented when it came to snooker.

Indeed, he was capped by Wales Under-16s when aged just 10.

“When I was younger, I remember I was on holiday and the entertainment guys came around and asked me if I wanted to play pool,” he said.

“I ended up beating all the men and, from then on, I just wanted to play snooker, so my mother and father helped me join a local club.

“I really enjoyed playing and managed to record a high break of 42, which was not too bad.

“I always watch the big tournaments and really like Ronnie O’Sullivan. People talk about the dedication you have to put into sport and that is very much the case with him.”

He has since focused on his football and was again involved as he played just under an hour of the under-23s’ Premier League Cup victory over Aston Villa last weekend.

And the teenager hopes there is plenty more to come.

“It’s been a really good experience for me. I have been on the bench a few times and it has been great to get my debut and keep getting the chance to pick up game time,” he said.

“It has made me hungrier to keep pushing on. I am just learning everything I can from the coaches and players.

“I know if I put in the work then success can come so I have got to keep my head down, keep working hard and make the most of every opportunity I get.”