Jacob Jones | Under-23s reaped rewards of first-teamers' inclusion

26th October
Jacob Jones

Jacob Jones felt he benefited massively from lining up alongside Swansea City's senior players during the under-23s' victory over Watford in the Professional Development League.

Several members of Russell Martin's first-team squad were given the opportunity to top up their game-time against the Hornets, with Yan Dhanda and Liam Cullen finding the net.

Keeper Steven Benda, Liverpool loanee Rhys Williams, Brandon Cooper, Jay Fulton, Liam Walsh and Morgan Whittaker also started for Kris O'Leary's under-23s as Martin watched on at Landore.

And Jones, who featured for the second half after replacing Tivonge Rushesha at the break, took a lot from the experience.

“Getting used to the pace and intensity that they play at is very good learning for myself,” said Jones.

“They are bringing in elements that the head coach has brought to the football club and it’s good to get to grips with that because ultimately that’s where I want to be - playing for the first team in the stadium.

Jacob Jones

“Every time I play I’ve got to try and impress no matter whose watching, but especially when Russell Martin is here it’s a chance to impress and put my name forward.

“I’ve played a lot of positions this season; left wing-back, left centre-back, centre back and right wing-back, so it gives me different options to my game.

“I love attacking, I love getting in the box, I love putting balls in and getting at my man and getting in positions to get at my man and getting in positions to score goals.

“I should have probably scored on Monday but at least I was in the right position at the right time.

“This will give us a good step going into that game, even though only a couple of us were involved and we didn’t get the full game it’s a good experience to be able to take that game further into the next one.”

The under-23s are in action again on Thursday when they host Coventry City in Landore.