Rangers loanee Jordan Jones has praised ‘top class’ former Celtic star Aiden McGeady, who’s currently keeping him out of the starting XI at Sunderland [Sunderland Echo].
After a disappointing first half of the season at Ibrox, Jones headed out on loan to the EFL League One club in search of playing time.
He’s made seven appearances so far and has made an impact, recently impressing supporters with his first assist before receiving major praise from his manager at the weekend after scoring a spectacular goal in a 2-2 draw with Crewe Alexandra.
However, the Gers loanee has only started two of his seven outings to date, because McGeady is keeping him out of the team.
The 34-year-old former Hoops star recently notched four assists in a 4-1 home win over Doncaster Rovers and Jones is full of praise for his fellow winger, insisting he is prepared to be patient in his quest for more minutes.
“The team has been flying – there’s no sign of me spitting my dummy out because I’m not playing or anything like that,” he said [Sunderland Echo]. “McGeady has been top class and he’s linking up with Charlie [Wyke] really well, so I understand I have to wait for my chance.”
“I got my chance [against Crewe] and I feel like I’ve come on and done well, and the most important thing is we got the point to take home.
“It is hard to go out every week and be top class. McGeady is the one in front of me and he has been top class. I just need to be ready to be called upon and hopefully, I can show what I can do.”
McGeady played Champions League football with Celtic and Spartak Moscow before featuring semi-regularly in the Premier League during a three-year stint with Everton, so it’s no surprise that he’s proving difficult to dislodge.
However, Jones will be aware that he must soon establish himself as a standout player at the Stadium of Light if he’s to force his way back into Steven Gerrard’s plans ahead of next season.
His spectacular goal on Saturday will definitely have helped his cause but he must produce a lot more between now and the end of the campaign if this loan move is to be successful.
Meanwhile, Rangers’ Europa League rivals Slavia Prague have sent Steven Gerrard’s side a warning with a stunning comeback win in the Czech First League.
