Teenager Jacob's U23 joy

Sixteen-year-old Jacob Jones has a smile on his face after landing a chance with Swansea City's under-23s.

The 16-year-old made his first start for the Swans' development side as they drew 1-1 with Blackburn in Premier League 2 last weekend, playing the first 64 minutes at left-back.

Lifelong Swans fan Jones, who has been with the club since he was nine, was thrilled to get his opportunity.

“I’m really happy to make my first start in Premier League 2,” smiled the Sketty product. “It was a really good experience to get on the pitch. 

“I thought I coped all right. Obviously, there are areas where I need to improve but that was a good starting block for me to push on."

It has been quite a week for the first-year scholar, who also appeared from the bench in the young Swans’ impressive 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon in the Checkatrade Trophy last Tuesday.

But he is fully aware he still has a long way to go before reaching his goal of playing for the first team at the Liberty.

“Hopefully, this is just the beginning,” he added. “I want to keep on pushing higher and higher and eventually get into the first team.

“I want to do it as quickly as I can but, obviously, I have to be patient. This is just the start and I’ve got to keep working hard.

“I want to become a regular in the squad and play every week. I’ve got to prove myself at under-18 and under-23 level – both in training and matches – and, hopefully, I can kick on.”

Jones may feature again for the under-23s when they play Villarreal B in the Premier League International Cup at Landore tonight (7pm).