Dons bond strong as fans raise £2m
Jones out to win place in first team as Wales eye Williams Bellingham, 16, proves he’s all grown up
CURTIS JONES says Jurgen Klopp is ready to give Liverpool’s youngsters the chance to break into his world-class squad.
Jones, 19, became the club’s youngest captain in the Reds’ youngest side as they beat Shrewsbury in Tuesday’s FA Cup fourth-round replay.
The midfielder is tipped for the top but it will not be easy breaking into the reigning world and European champions.
They are also soon to be English champions again as they run away with the Premier League.
But despite that, Jones insists Klopp gives young players such as him the hope they can make the grade at one of the best clubs in the world.
Jones said: “For any player on the outside looking in they might say Liverpool is a hard team to get into in terms of the players they have in each position.
“They have a world-class starting XI, but everyone sees the gaffer is there for the youth and has belief in them. And that is why he gives us this opportunity, and gave me other opportunities along the way. I am sure the rest of the boys will get theirs in time.
“For any young player coming into a team like this, where there are players who are the best in the world, you have to go out there confident and stand up and show what you are capable of doing.
“That’s what I try to do in every game.”
Liverpool’s side on Tuesday was managed by Under-23s boss Neil Critchley after Klopp refused to take the team in protest at the scheduling of the replay.
The Liverpool manager was not happy the FA planned fourth-round replays at the start of the Premier League’s new mid-season break and instructed his 22 senior players to go on holiday.
Jones said the first-team stars sent messages to the youngsters ahead of their win over the League One side, which has set up a fifth-round clash at Chelsea.
Jones said: “All week the players have been sending messages, wishing us luck and texting us individually to tell us what we need to do in our game and how to impress and help the team. The stuff they were saying will benefit individuals going the future.”
England Under-21 boss Aidy Boothroyd is considering calling up Jones, along with Harvey Elliott, 16, ahead of
BIRMINGHAM boss Pep Clotet says Manchester United target Jude Bellingham has taken a “massive step forward” in his development by playing up front. United failed in their attempt to buy Bellingham, left, from Birmingham in forward in
Euro qualifiers against Andorra and Turkey next month, and right-back Neco Williams, 18, could be in line for a call-up to the Wales senior squad for next month’s
January but the 16-year-old is in demand after four goals in 26 league appearances from midfield this season.
Clotet started Bellingham up front in Tuesday’s FA Cup fourth-round replay against Coventry as Birmingham went through on penalties friendlies against Austria and the United States.
Wales boss Ryan Giggs has received glowing reports from his technical staff after Williams impressed again in the 1-0 win over Shrewsbury.
Williams admitted he has been modelling his game on that of fellow Liverpool fullback Trent Alexander-Arnold. Williams said: “He’s obviously one of the best right-backs in the world so every day I’m training with him I’m picking up little things and trying to bring them into my own game.
“Every day at Melwood is a learning day for me and to train with one of the best teams in the world is going to make you a better player. I’m just grateful to be there.” after a 2-2 draw. The manager rested regular frontman Lukas Jutkiewicz, who later came off the bench to replace the teenager.
Clotet, whose side visit Leicester next in the cup, said: “Jude made a massive step forward in his development. He was an option because he is very good in the middle of the pitch and wide but also attacking. I wanted us to find Jude and play to the wingers. He understood perfectly and I told him this after the game.
“I saw him doing things I was surprised by. Jude is one of those players who can be good in many positions and surprise you.”
WIMBLEDON legend Dickie Guy is stunned that in just two weeks fans have raised nearly £2.2million buying bonds to help the club move back to Plough Lane.
“It will be like going back home,” said Guy. “I can’t wait.”
AFC Wimbledon are confident they will start next season in a new stadium just 250 yards from the old venue. Guy,
71, the club’s president, shot to fame as the goalkeeping hero of the then non-League Dons’ famous 1975
FA Cup run.
Plans to move into their £31m stadium received a jolt last year when it was revealed they were £11m short of the funds.The
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Plough Lane Bond was launched last month to make up the deficit, with the aim of raising at least £5m by February 14, which would make it easier for the club to borrow the rest. As of last night, the total stood at £2.18m.
The League One Dons have been playing their games at Kingsmeadow in nearby Kingston ever since they reformed in 2002 after the original Wimbledon relocated to Milton Keynes.
Guy said: “This club never cease to amaze me. I thought we would never make up the shortfall, but we have done £2m already in just two weeks.”
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CRYSTAL PALACE will renew interest in Russia star Fedor Chalov as they try to convince Roy Hodgson to stay. Manager Hodgson wants assurances Palace will spend in the summer after missing out on his top targets last month. And CSKA Moscow’s £25m-valued Chalov, left, is high on their wish list.