|
Within four months he had also made
his debut for England. Jones had quickly and confidently established himself
in the Liverpool team, playing with an assurance which belied his lack
of experience at the top level. In May 1992 he was part of the Liverpool
team which won the 1992 FA Cup final with a 2-0 win over Sunderland. Under
Souness, Jones became one of the few players who was almost guaranteed
his place at right back, although he had a spell out of the side with a
shin splints injury.
At the beginning of the 1994/95 season,
new manager Roy Evans changed Liverpool's formation to 3-5-2, with the
full backs pushing forward to become attacking wingbacks. Jones made the
transition comfortably, although he looked less assured in attacking positions
than he did when defending. Jones had never scored when playing as a conventional
full back, and although chances fell his way, he has still failed to score
a goal despite playing in a more forward position, although he has hit
the woodwork on several occasions.
Jones made his second successful
appearance in a Wembley final in April 1995 when Liverpool beat Bolton
Wanderers in the Coca Cola Cup, but his third visit in the 1996 FA Cup
Final against Manchester United ended in disapointment. Jones played this
game on the left after further proving his versatility by moving to left
wingback earlier in the season after McAteer had claimed the righthand
position.
After the 1996 final it was announced
that Jones was to get treatment after playing most of the season in pain
with a back problem which had been nagging him for months. It was later
revealed that he had a fracture in a vertebra which would require a long
lay-off.
Jones now wants to leave the club
as both Heggem and McAteer can take up his position.
BORN: Wrexham 5.11.71.
|
|