Jones frustrated at super sub role
Walsall winger Steve Jones has revealed his frustration at being stuck on the bench but believes he gave the perfect response on Saturday.
The 32-year-old scored just four minutes after coming on in the 2-2 draw with Carlisle at the Banks's Stadium – his second goal of the season.
Jones is now straining at the leash to make his first start since August at MK Dons this weekend and reckons he proved a point against Carlisle.
He said: "I've done that. I've left it for a couple of weeks to see how things have settled but hopefully I can get my chance in the next game.
"I came on for a minute in the previous game, but there's no better way to make an impact than to come on and score, so hopefully I'll be starting the next game.
"Only the manager knows, but he said 'well done' at the end so that's a good sign.
"You're always frustrated being on the bench for three or four games. You're dying to get on and you can't prove what you can do in a minute so I was glad to get 20 and to score.
"It's difficult being on the bench but I think I've done well in reserve games, so all I can do is keep playing well and knocking on the door."
The winger is now free of the groin and calf injuries which halted his progress at the start of the season and admits he isn't a good spectator.
He said: "The older you get the more you hate it, you just want to be out there playing. I haven't got long left in my career, three or four years, so I want to play every game.
"Pace is part of my game and I knew the left-back Ian Harte hadn't got much so I was just itching the get on and get the ball.
"The older you get the more you weigh the game up. I'm looking to do coaching when I retire."
Despite his goalscoring return the former Burnley ace couldn't hide his disappointment at seeing more League One points slip away after Richard Keogh's 90th minute leveller.
Jones said: "It felt like a loss, it felt like the Leeds game all over again because we conceded a late goal."
