Make or break time at Wolves for Daniel Jones

Jun 12 2008 By Paul Berry

WOLVES hopeful Daniel Jones today faced up to a make-or-break pre-season which he admits could end up shaping his Molineux future.

The left-sided 21-year-old knows he faces a major task to nail down a spot in Mick McCarthy’s defence or midfield but is ready for the challenge and buoyed by an impressive loan at Northampton last season.

Wordsley-born Jones is confident he is ready for the Championship, but admits any more prolonged wait for first team football could see him considering his options.

“There’s strong competition ahead of me so I’ve got to knuckle down and work really hard,” said Jones.

“The manager knows what I want to do.

“I’d like to battle for the left back position and I think he sees me as a midfielder and I’d certainly have no qualms about playing there if I could get in.

“If it comes down to me and I’m not producing the goods then it’s fair enough.

“Last season I played almost 40 games and really enjoyed it.

“I’m really going to try to get myself into the team here but if it doesn’t happen I’ll probably have to look to play my football elsewhere.

“The manager’s not given me any hints but it’s just a case of coming back for pre-season and being as quick and strong as I can.

“He’s always been very fair and has always said, ‘if you’re the best left midfielder here or the best full back you’ll play’.

“So it’s down to me at the end of the day.

“For all the young lads we’re in the same situation and have got to work hard and fight our way into the team.”

With just ten appearances in the Wolves first team, Jones made 39 during his year with the Cobblers, and as a result feels far better placed for the prospect of regular Championship football.

“I feel in a much better position now than a year ago,” he added.

“I’m a lot more confident and sure of myself and know what I’m capable of when I’m doing well.

“Although I haven’t played as many games as other people I feel a lot more experienced.

“When I first got in at Wolves I was a bit nervous and even after a few games there were still a few butterflies.

“But having gone to Northampton and played maybe 20 games on the bounce you start to realise what it’s all about and feel a lot more comfortable.

“Hopefully I’ll do enough to get the chance to do that here.”