Billy Jones backed as an able deputy for West Brom
Friday 23rd December 2011, 2:30PM GMT.
West Brom defender Gareth McAuley today backed team-mate Billy Jones to rise to the challenge if he is called into Christmas action.
Summer signing Jones is on stand-by to face Manchester City at the Hawthorns on Boxing Day, as regular right-back Steven Reid struggles with injury.
And Northern Ireland captain McAuley believes Jones, who impressed when playing out of position at left-back earlier in the season, is ready to face City’s stars after playing well as a substitute at Newcastle on Wednesday.
McAuley said: “When Billy came into the team before we had a clean sheet so he has proved that he can step up.
“He has been patient and worked really hard. He showed against a top international player in Jonas Gutierrez that he can handle it.
“He stopped a lot of crosses coming into the box. He did really well.”
Jones looks likely to step into a back four protecting goalkeeper Ben Foster, whose two brilliant second-half saves at Newcastle proved crucial in Albion’s 3-2 win.
McAuley believes the former Manchester United and England shot-stopper is a reassuring presence at the Hawthorns.
He said: “When called upon he makes the saves and that’s the mark of a top goalkeeper.”
UK Sport
Latest Blog — A week is a long time in football
This time last week we were staring down the barrel, third from bottom with a worse record than at the same stage last year, writes Saddlers blogger Mark Jones.
Saddlers Blog
Business Awards
Book a Business Awards table
Join our celebrations of the region's best in business on Thursday March 22 - book your table now
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Express & Star and Shropshire Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases
OUR NEW APP
Get the new E&S app
Download the Express & Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
expressandstar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
