Isaiah Jones says the belief shown in him by Luton Town manager Jack Wilshere has helped him rediscover his form after working patiently for his opportunity in the starting side.
The full-back had to bide his time on the bench as Hakeem Odoffin, who had been playing centre half, was deployed at right back ahead of him, following an injury to Harrison Ashby at the start of October.
But after Odoffin limped out of the victory against Barnsley, Jones has nailed down his position, starting and earning plaudits for his performances in the last four games, which have seen the Hatters break into the League One play-off places for the first time in 455 days.
His impressive recent revival, which continued with Tuesday night’s hard-fought 1-1 draw away to League One leaders Huddersfield Town, also saw him switch from the right to the left to cover for captain Kal Naismith who came off injured early in the game.
Jones has revealed he never lost faith in his ability to force his way back into the team.
“I’m just enjoying my football. The gaffer’s given me belief,” he told LTFC+.
“Even when I wasn’t in the team, I’m not a guy to sulk and moan and ask why I’m not playing. Just put your head down, keep working, and your chance will come.
“My chance came and I thank God I took it. I’m just grateful to keep playing a high intensity game for myself at the moment.”
Wilshere’s trust in Jones was shown at Huddersfield because rather than send on left-sided defender Joe Johnson, the former Middlesbrough man was preferred to deal with the threat of the Terriers’ league-leading chance creator Derensili Sanches Fernandes.
Asked how he found that challenge, he said: “Difficult. No, I’m joking. It’s just different. There’s like body shape and x, y, z [to consider]. But we were playing against a good team and I went against a good opponent and I felt like I did well.
“One or two times he got past me. But it’s bound to happen with the quality he has. But I feel like I’ve done well, trying to keep him quiet for most of the game.”
Although disappointed not to take all three points in Yorkshire, after Jordan Clark had given Luton the lead five minutes before half time, Jones felt the performance demonstrated the progress made by Luton in recent weeks, as they head into two cup games on the back of a five-game unbeaten streak.
“A bit disappointed not to get three points, especially taking the lead. But we come away to a very good side. Go get them. Respect. And I feel like we earned a hard-fought point on the road,” he said.
He added: “It was a chaotic game, but I feel like we showed how far we’ve come in these last couple of weeks and to keep a team like that out.
“As a defence, it was disappointing to concede the goal, but as a whole I think the whole team pressed well, defended the team and got a well-earned point.”
With Luton due to face Forest Green Rovers in the FA Cup on Saturday before taking on Peterborough United in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday, ahead of an international break, Jones said the players were still eager to get back out for another league fixture, despite the demands of their recent schedule of seven games in three weeks.
“I think we probably want to play another league game, to be fair,” the 27-year-old said, adding: “It’s been a tough, busy schedule so far. And all the boys have played a three game week last week. And playing today [Tuesday]. Everyone came out good except for Kal. Unfortunately he came off, but the team’s all healthy and I think the boys are raring to go for Saturday.”
Be the first to comment