Jones in contention for Liverpool
Monday 25th January 2010, 10:00AM GMT.
Wolves midfielder David Jones has played himself into contention for the big clash with Liverpool.
The 25-year-old celebrated only his third start of the season with a Man of the Match performance and the first equaliser in Saturday’s 2-2 FA Cup draw against Crystal Palace.
Wolves must go to Selhurst Park for a replay on February 2 to contest the right to host neighbours Villa in the FA Cup fifth round.
Manager Mick McCarthy always had one eye on the visit of Liverpool tomorrow night after making seven changes for the Palace tie.
But the boss admitted the performance of Jones – who is still to start a Premier League game for Wolves after two niggling knee injuries this season – gave him food for thought.
He said: “Dave Jones was excellent – he was outstanding. If anyone is looking for pointers to my team for Liverpool, than that might be one.
“I thought he was dominant through the game and deserved his goal, because he’s worked really hard to come back from injury and has been fantastic.
“He was great against Wigan when he came on and he’s back to his best.”
Captain Karl Henry also believes Jones has played himself back into favour.
He said: “I love playing with Jonah – he’s a really good player and he’s got a lovely creative side to him and it was a great finish from him for the goal. He also put in some great corners and free kicks so I was really pleased for him – he scored his goal and he’s more than in contention.”
McCarthy was also impressed with Sam Vokes, who played his first Wolves game since his loan spell at Leeds, and Andrew Surman, who helped set up Jones’s goal.
The manager said: “Sam Vokes was excellent – he had a really good game. He’s taken a couple of strides forward since going out on loan which was what we were hoping for.
“He’s looked two yards better since he came back. Andrew Surman played really well too – he’s a clever footballer.
“I only changed it to get something different.”
UK Sport
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