Jacob Jones confident of reaping rewards from U23s exploits

Swansea City Under-23s defender Jacob Jones is confident his recent exploits with the development side will prove hugely beneficial as he continues his journey towards first-team football.  

The 18-year-old, who has been with the Swans since he was nine, has made four appearances for the under-23s this season – already surpassing his tally for the entire 2018-19 campaign.

Jones’ first start of this term came in the Premier League 2 Division Two defeat at Reading – during which he received a tough lesson against experienced winger Garath McCleary at the Madejski Stadium.

However, he enjoyed better fortunes as he also played the full 90 minutes of the Premier League International Cup draw against PSV Eindhoven II, as well as the league win over Sunderland, before appearing from the bench in the memorable 5-1 rout of Porto B.

Jones impressed with highly energetic performances from left-back – producing solid defensive work, while looking dangerous on the attack with determined runs and inviting crosses into the penalty area.

The second-year scholar, who has also played four times in all competitions for the under-18s this season, hopes that making the most of his opportunities will stand him in good stead as he aims to continue his progress with the Swans.

“It’s always good to get these experiences under my belt,” he said.

“Whenever I am given these opportunities, I must take them and show what I can do.

“I think I’ve done that with my attacking and defensive play. Even though we were playing against top-quality opposition, I felt like I adapted well and tried to let my skills on the ball do the talking.

“Confidence is a key factor and, no matter who I’m up against, I always try to believe in myself and take every game as a new experience to learn from and keep improving.

“This is all going to help my future development and, hopefully, it will eventually lead to me breaking into the first team.”