Jones out to follow in famous footsteps

Jacob Jones is aiming to follow in famous footsteps after helping Swansea City Under-19s retain the FAW Youth Cup for a record-breaking 10th consecutive year.

The young defender played the full 90 minutes and assisted the opening goal for Josh Thomas as the Swans beat TNS 2-1 in Aberystwyth to maintain their grip on the trophy.

It is a competition that has seen future first-team players involved for the Swans in recent years, including the likes of Connor Roberts, Joe Rodon and Daniel James, as well as Joe Allen and Ben Davies.

And the 17-year-old left-back is hopeful his own career can follow the same path.

“You’re in football to win trophies and get to the highest level possible. Hopefully, this is just a stepping stone towards bigger and better things for me,” he said.

“You’ve seen the likes of Connor, Joe and Daniel involved in this competition, and they’re now with the first team. Joe and Ben have also won this trophy.

“It’s now up to me to push on to the next level and aim for the first team.

“I’m buzzing to have been part of the side that has kept hold of the trophy.

“Obviously, it means so much to the club and the academy, so winning it for the 10th year on the bounce is something to be proud of.”

Jones’ dedication to the young Swans’ cause was evident as he played the majority of the final with his head bandaged up following an accidental collision in the early stages.

However, the young defender insists it would have taken a lot more to prevent him from playing on in a match of such importance.

“Obviously, it was painful but not something I can’t play through,” he added.

“Part and parcel of football is to play through the pain, get through it, play the full 90 minutes and help the team win.

“It’s a cup final which is so important to the club, so there was no way I wanted to miss out.”