Young prospect Mike Jones advised to make a right move

Sep 12 2007 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post

YOUNG prospect Mike Jones is happy to heed the advice of manager Ronnie Moore when it comes to progressing his career with Tranmere Rovers.

Moore believes the 20-year-old should be concentrating on developing his game as a right winger if he wants to break into the first-team picture at Prenton Park.

“That’s fine by me,” says Jones. “I can see myself playing anywhere across a midfield but I do feel as though I have been playing some good football on the right this season. I’m hoping my performances in the reserves and in the pre-season games will help me. Hopefully I can convince the gaffer I am capable of playing first-team football here.”

Tranmere signalled their faith in the potential of Jones by offering him a one-year contract extension this summer. The commitment was made after the talented local boy had a season of mixed fortunes in 2006-07.

Jones made his first-team debut as a substitute in and FA Cup first-round tie against Woking last November but saw no senior action for Rovers after that.

Tranmere released the youngster on loan to Shrewsbury Town at the end of January. But 10 of his 13 appearances for the League Two side were as a substitute, much to the irritation of Moore, who wanted Jones to gain valuable first-team exposure.

Jones is inclined to look on the bright side of the affair. He said: “I think the manager was disappointed I did not start too many games at Shrewsbury but it was still a good experience for me.

“I came on as a substitute in a lot of the games and being involved in first-team football on a regular basis was a step forward for me.”

The contract extension gave Jones the chance to build on that platform and he made an encouraging start in Tranmere’s pre-season programme.

In one match in particular, a five-goal victory at Morecambe, Jones made the most of an opportunity to play alongside senior professionals in the right-wing slot.

He wasn’t able to make quite as positive and impact against the same opposition in a 45-minute appearance as a substitute in a Johnstone’s Paints Trophy tie at Prenton Park last week, which Rovers lost 1-0.

The challenge thrown down by Moore, for Jones to put pressure on Chris Shuker’s position in the first-team, is a daunting one for a youngster with two senior appearances under his belt.

Not least because Shuker is arguably the most naturally talented player in the Prenton Park dressing room, a potential match-winner in every game he plays.

Even so, Moore argues, Jones would find it even more difficult still to break into the side in central midfield because Rovers boast strength in depth in that area.

Moore said: “Jones has the ability to play the wide right role. He just needs to believe he can do it. He needs to forget about playing central midfield.”

Jones said: “I got into the reserves playing central midfield a couple of years ago and I felt I played some of my best football there. But I feel as though I played some good football on the right of midfield recently and that is where I have to be pushing now.

“Chris Shuker is a terrific player to have in front of you. He is quality. You can’t complain about starting behind him.

“But injuries and suspensions happened to all players and I have to be ready to take my chance whenever it comes and make the most of it.”

Meanwhile, Rovers have released young defender Michael Johnston on loan to Bangor City – managed by former Tranmere players Neville Powell and Alan Morgan – until the end of January.

The 19-year-old is yet to break into Tranmere’s first-team, although he is a regular in the reserves.