Jones now looking to take on major role at Wolves

Feb 1 2008 By Paul Berry, Birmingham Mail

DANIEL Jones today threw his hat into the ring to challenge for any vacancy going in Wolves' left-back berth - despite the challenge of deposing Michael Gray and new signing George Elokobi.

Jones, back from a successful six-month loan with Northampton, came on as substitute in left midfield in the final stages of Tuesday's win against Sheffield Wednesday, Wolves' first game since he returned from Sixfields.

But he is ready chiefly to provide cover and competition for Gray and Elokobi in the back-line, insisting his defensive qualities have come on "leaps and bounds" under Stuart Gray's tutelage at the Cobblers.

"I think defending is the aspect of my game which I have learned most during my time at Northampton," he says.

"Left-back is where I want to challenge and having worked on my defending I think it's come on leaps and bounds.

"I feel a lot more comfortable now with people running at me and I think I've proved to myself I can play in that position.

"Having said that, I'm certainly not going to say 'no' if asked to play on the left wing."

While delighted to be back in the first-team fray at Molineux, the 21-year-old is grateful for the experience accrued with the League One team.

The gaffer told me to go out and get used to playing week-in, week-out," he added.

"Last season I'd maybe play four games and get pulled out of the team and I always felt really tired after those four games.

"I've made almost 30 appearances for Northampton and felt fine.

"I feel revitalised with more energy, fitter and sharper and it's helped me out massively.

"It is good to be back, and even better that I came on in the week.

"I've always said that with the gaffer here you get opportunities if you do the right things and I'm just ready to knuckle down and take my chance when it comes along.''