Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill has been talking up his Northern Irish wingman Jordan Jones after the talented winger joined the ranks at Ibrox.
The 24-year-old has signed on at Ibrox after an impressive three years at Rugby Park with Kilmarnock.
But with a glowing reference from Michael O’Neill, can he fill the void currently being left by last season’s cult hero Ryan Kent?
O’Neill believes that like Kent and Candeias, Jones is a player “that can bring real excitement” [the Times].
The Northern Ireland manager also says he believes Jones is “ready to make an impact at Rangers” and has touted him for big things at the club.
It’s high praise indeed from a manager that is very highly respected.
You only need to look at the Kilmarnock fans’ reaction to him signing for Rangers to see how highly Jones was rated at Rugby Park.
But should Rangers fail to secure the signing of Ryan Kent for another season, a lot of the pressure to fill his boots will fall on Jones.
Both players must improve numbers in the final third
Similarly to Ryan Kent, the Northern Irishman must improve on his stats in the final third next season.
Jones only managed four goals and four assists in 28 league games last season. Kent got six and six in 24.
Playing in a better team will help Jones boost those stats, whilst Kent’s low numbers have been a consistent criticism of his game.
But ultimately both players bring different things to the team.
Jones appears a more natural direct, pacey winger, whilst the tricky Ryan Kent likes to both go to the by-line and cut inside.
In terms of Jones having as big of an influence on the team, we’ll have to wait and see.
But there’s still a big chance that they’ll both will be playing for the same side next season [Birmingham Live].
