Rangers loanee 'won't spit dummy' in Sunderland selection battle with former Celtic winger
The winger has also had to contend with the improving form of former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady which has kept him out of the Black Cats’ side – but Jones says “there's no sign of me spitting my dummy” after hitting a stunner in the 2-2 draw with Crewe Alexandra.
Jones has made seven appearances for Lee Johnson’s side after his January loan move, but five have come from the bench and he was one of two scoring substitutes who pulled back a two-goal deficit at the weekend for a point at the Alexandra Stadium.
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Hide AdNow he is willing to wait it out with McGeady in ‘top class’ form – but the 26-year-old is ready to show what he can do when needed.
"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,” he said.
“I've come to this club really lacking match fitness and I've put in and out the first few weeks, which I think has probably helped me fitness-wise. I've come onand shown I'm a lot fitter and a lot sharper on my mind. Hopefully I can play some more minutes now, but everyone is just focused on winning.”
Jones stepped in off the left wing and, after a couple of step-overs to create fired into the top corner to reduce the deficit for Sunderland who sit fifth, ten points off skybet League One leaders Peterborough United.
He added: “The team has been flying - there's no sign of me spitting my dummy out because I'm not playing or anything like that. McGeady has been top class and he's linking up well, so I understand I have to wait for my chance. I got my chance today and I feel like I've come on and done well.”
The Northern Irishman has two more years on his Ibrox deal, but has not featured for Rangers since October after being sidelined with quarantine and a seven-game suspension for breaching COVID protocols in November.