‘Top class’: Rangers outcast hails former Celtic man who’s keeping him on the bench

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Rangers have not missed the 26-year-old as they progress at home and abroad

It’s been far from an ideal season for Jordan Jones.

While the majority of his Rangers colleagues are on the verge of success in Scotland, Jones is plying his trade down south.

Steven Gerrard’s men are closing in on the Premiership title, while Jones is on the bench for the side sitting fifth in England’s third tier.

The 26-year-old was suspended by Rangers after breaching Covid-19 protocols in November, and has not kicked a ball for the Ibrox club since.

At the end of January he was sent to Sunderland on loan, and has since made just two starts for the Black Cats.

The man responsible for keeping him out of the side is Aiden McGeady, who won four league titles in his time at Celtic.

Jones has made a total of seven appearances since arriving at the Stadium of Light, scoring his first goal for the club against Crew Alexandra in a 2-2 draw on Saturday.

Despite not being able to force his way into Lee Johnson’s starting XI, Jones has praised the 34-year-old winger who stands in his way.

As quoted by the Scottish Sun, Jones said: “The team has been flying – there’s no sign of me spitting my dummy out because I’m not playing or anything like that.

“McGeady has been top class and he’s linking up with Charlie [Wyke] really well, so I understand I have to wait for my chance.

“It is hard to go out every week and be top class. McGeady is the one in front of me and he has been top class.

“I just need to be ready to be called upon and hopefully I can show what I can do.

“I got my chance on Saturday and I felt like I came on and did well, and the most important thing is we got the point to take home.

“I’m delighted to get my first goal, but more importantly it contributes towards a point which could be vital at the end of the season.

“I’ve come on and I feel like I’ve done myself no harm, so it’s a good feeling.

“I’ve come to this club really lacking match fitness and I’ve been in and out the first few weeks, which I think has probably helped me fitness-wise.

“I came on on Saturday and showed I’m a lot fitter and a lot sharper in my mind.

“Hopefully I can play some more minutes now, but everyone is just focused on winning as many games as we can and then we’ll see where we are come the end of the season.”