Jackson Junior ready to be a senior starter

PAUL Hurst has backed Ira Jackson Jr to deliver from the start for Grimsby Town, with the young forward looking set to get his chance in the side.

The former Folkestone Invicta forward, inset, has impressed in his last two performances off the bench for the Mariners, and came close to setting up a muchneeded win on a couple of occasions against Tranmere Rovers on Wednesday night. With injuries piling up for Town as Filipe Morais becomes the latest name to be added to the list, Jackson Jr is likely to be given the chance to prove himself from the start when Hurst’s side make the short trip to Mansfield this afternoon. The 24-year-old proved to be a bright spark when given his opportunity earlier in the season under previous manager Ian Holloway, with goals coming in back-to-back games against the Stags and Southend back in December.

He’s struggled since to force his way into the side, but Hurst is confident he can take his chance this weekend.

Asked whether he could reproduce his impressive displays over 90 minutes, Hurst said: “I think he probably can. “Certainly in terms of the training we do and the running stats, Ira is up there.

“In fairness to him, I think before I came, there was an Ira Jackson that turned up at the football club, and now he’s a very different looking character, and also a much fitter player.

“I give him credit for that, and we talk about people getting opportunities, and I think to be fair to him, he’s put himself right in the shop window for us and being part of it after having some time on the sidelines. “Credit to him, but that’s what you need when you get those chances. Players can often have this habit of moaning and saying ‘I didn’t get long enough, I didn’t get enough chances’.

“It’s a tough career, you’re involved in a tough sport, and it might be that one moment that gets you recognised or noticed, and like I said, he’s done well. He’ll definitely come into my thoughts.”