The defender made his Sunderland return in the Checkatrade Trophy game against Hartlepool.
Sunderland defender Billy Jones has admitted he is happy to see competition for places at the Stadium of Light, speaking to the Sunderland Echo.
The 29-year-old made his comeback from injury in the 1-0 win over Hartlepool in the Checkatrade Trophy, playing the full 90 minutes for the Sunderland Under-23 side, and now has his sights set on a return to first team action.
Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta in action with Sunderland’s Billy Jones
“That’s the aim, like every right-back at the club,” Jones told the Sunderland Echo.
“Personally, as a player, you want that competition for places in the squad, it pushes everyone on.”
Jones is yet to play any Premier League football this season, picking up an injury during pre-season, and has since seen two new right backs arrive at the club and move ahead of him in the pecking order.
Tottenham’s Nacer Chadli in action with Sunderland’s Billy Jones
The first was Donald Love, who scored the winner in Jones’ comeback game at Victoria Park, with the 21-year-old starting the season on the right side of the defence.
The former Manchester United man was then replaced by Javi Manquillo, who arrived on loan from Atletico Madrid. David Moyes has also deployed Jason Denayer at right back this season, meaning the Scot has a wealth of options in that area of the pitch.
It is not clear who the front runner is to nail down that slot in Moyes’ starting XI, with none of the previously mentioned players staking a massive claim, meaning there is a chance that Jones could force himself back into contention and make the position his.
Everton’s Gerard Deulofeu before going down looking for a penalty from a challenge from Sunderland’s Billy Jones
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