There was plenty of good takeaways from Rangers’ 5-1 demolition of Motherwell, but the re-emergence of background Northern Irish international Jordan Jones was amongst the best.
The pacey winger got the Ibrox side’s second goal in what was his first start for the club since January and grabbed his moment with a strong performance.
Jones cut inside from a beautifully weighted Scott Arfield pass, leaving Motherwell defender Ricki Lamie in his wake before netting with a fine left-foot finish.
Not only that but the winger was a willing runner, a constant threat and had a confidence in his game which we have scarcely seen during his year and a bit in Glasgow.
It was the player’s second appearance in little over three days after emerging from the bench against Willem II in the Europa League and he appears to have worked his way into Gerrard’s plans.
The Ibrox gaffer was immensely complimentary of the winger after the match and has revealed that there will be chances aplenty should the “real Jordan Jones” continue to perform.
Those comments were also supplemented by the words of a buoyant Jones, whose cupped ear celebration appeared to be a message about his intentions at Ibrox.
“It’s obvious to everyone that this is where I want to be,” said Jones [Scottish Sun].
“I got my chance today and I feel like I have done myself justice. I want to be here and get a run of games. But it’s only one start so I certainly won’t be getting carried away.”
With all that in mind, could it be a blessing in disguise for both Rangers and Jones that the club appeared to miss out in their high-profile pursuit of Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy?
The Gers’ reported interest in Murphy [Daily Record] came at a time when Jordan Jones was being heavily linked with a move out of the club.
Up to six English Championship clubs had been linked to Jones through one outlet or another, and the writing very much did seem on the wall.
Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough even suggested Jones’ time at Ibrox was nearing its end [Daily Record].
But after Magpies boss Steve Bruce admitted that £12m man Murphy had impressed in pre-season, it may well have opened a space for Jones to move into at Ibrox.
Could the pacey wide-man now prove the solution to offering proper squad depth at Ibrox behind the likes of Ryan Kent, Ianis Hagi and Brandon Barker?
