Kilmarnock winger Jones has agreed a pre-contract agreement for Rangers.
Kilmarnock manager Steve Clarke has been quoted by BBC Sport as defending Jordan Jones, who has signed a pre-contract agreement with Rangers but is set to remain at Rugby Park until the end of the season.
Jones, 24, has agreed to move to Rangers at the end of the season on a free transfer. His contract at Kilmarnock was set to expire at the end of the season, and Steven Gerrard has used the Bosman ruling to land him on a pre-contract.
The Northern Ireland international has long been linked with a move to Rangers, and reacted with delight after signing a deal with the Teddy Bears – claiming it was a “dream come true” to sign for the Gers.
Killie fans were not happy with Jones’ reaction, as he is set to see out the remaining six months at the club until his contract expires in June – which is when his Rangers deal becomes active.
Kilmarnock boss Clarke has leapt to the defence of Jones, stating that if his own fans boo him against Forfar in the Scottish Cup on Saturday – and then Rangers on Wednesday – then they’re effectively booing him as well for selecting Jones.
“If fans boo Jordan, then they’re booing me as well because, if I select Jordan, then they’re criticising my selection,” Clarke said. “I don’t think that [Rangers game] one’s awkward for Jordan.
“I decide that one. That’s my decision. There’s nothing for Jordan to decide in that one. It’s not awkward for Jordan at all.”
The league game next Wednesday will see Jones come up against his future employers, after he penned a four-year contract to join the Gers. Dundee midfielder Glen Kamara has also joined Rangers in a similar deal.
Talks are reportedly ongoing for both Kamara and Jones to even move to Ibrox this month, though there us yet to be anything agreed between Killie and Dundee.
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