Jones has played 11 times for Barnsley since his January move from Everton.
Everton’s Gethin Jones in action for Barnsley (left)
Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom has leapt to the defence of Everton loanee Gethin Jones after recent criticism.
Jones moved to the Championship side on a temporary basis in January, but is yet to properly convince in his 11 Tykes outings so far.
Heckingbottom, however, insists he has been pleased with the 21-year-old, who prior to joining Barnsley had made just seven senior appearances – all of which arrived during a loan spell at Plymouth Argyle two years ago.
“I was pleased with him against Ipswich,” the Tykes boss told the Sheffield Star. “With every other player we take in, we have to work with them and try to get them up to speed as quickly as possible.
“We have to try and make it as easy as possible for them so that their transition into our team is as smooth as possible. The other side of it is what they need as a player, because everyone needs to improve.
“I’ve been pleased with him recently because he’s been strong in defence.”
A natural right-back at Everton, Jones’ progress has perhaps not been helped by Heckingbottom’s decision to deploy him on the left of his back four in the absence of Aidy White – despite Andy Yiadom having more experience in White’s position.
The 39-year-old admitted: “It’s a little bit difficult for him at left-back. He loves to get forward and on the right it’s natural for him to deliver off his right foot, but on the left it’s different.
“That’s just one of the things we’re working on with him, his distribution going up the pitch.”
Jones’ Everton contract is thought to expire at the end of the campaign and it remains to be seen if the Welshman will remain at Goodison Park next term.
Seamus Coleman’s injury perhaps offers some hope to Jones, although Mason Holgate – a former Barnsley player – Jonjoe Kenny and Tyias Browning can all play in the pair’s favoured position.
Everton’s Seamus Coleman is stretchered off while playing for the Republic of Ireland
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