HERO JJ CAN BE A MOSCOW DYNAMO
McCulloch says role at Russia 18 will inspire Jordan to hit his peak
Lee McCulloch has told Killie hero Jordan Jones the chance of starring at the World Cup should be his inspiration.
Jones fired a second-half leveller to earn Kilmarnock a precious point at Pittodrie, cancelling out Stevie May’s opener.
And McCulloch revealed how he challenged the ex-Middlesbrough man to up his game to catch the eye of Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill.
The 22-year- old, who qualifies through dad Paul, was on standby for the recent World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Czech Republic.
Jones was also called up for a friendly against New Zealand and qualifier against Azerbaijan at the end of last season – but was forced to pull out through injury.
Northern Ireland are guaranteed a play- off spot for Russia 2018 and after a standout display in yesterday’s draw, McCul loch said: “Jordan has the potential to go to the World Cup.
“It’s making him realise how good a player he is. We had a group and individual meetings on Monday and JJ knows how highly I rate him.
“It was just getting him to realise how football can change for the better or worse in a week.
“He needs to realise he can play at the World Cup and it’s about consistency.
“He has gone from not starting last week to a performance like that.
“If he keeps playing like that then Kilmarnock won’t be able to keep a hold of him.
“We try to encourage him every day and get him out of his comfort zone. He knows I’m always here for him and he’s repaid me with a display like that.”
Killie r ema i n bottom of the Premier Le a g ue on go a l di f ference – but picking up only their second point is a confidence booster for the Ayrshire side.
It also ended Derek McInnes’ perfect record against the Rugby Park side after 13 wins in their previous meetings over a period of four-and-a-half years.
The Reds, now two points behind leaders Celtic, remain unbeaten but will be looking to improve on this display in Thursday’s Betfred Cup quarter- f inal tie against Motherwell in Lanarkshire.
Killie can take plenty from their performance after five defeats in their last six ahead of back-to-back home games against Dundee and Ross County.
McCulloch said: “The Old Firm find it difficult here so for our boys to pass the way they did was great. We didn’t just lump it.
“We thoroughly deserved our point. We started like a team short of confidence in the first 20 minutes and conceded a slack goal.
“Iain Wilson took a bad knock on his knee and we thought we’d change the shape – and it worked, we caused Aberdeen problems at times.
“It’s not a magic potion or secret.
“We were compet ing for second balls and
the boys gave everything they had. They got a bit of stick last week for the way they played and f inished the game against Motherwell but they answered everyone out there.
“I hope it changes things for us but we’re still such a long way to being where I want us to be.”
Ki l l ie were massive 10/ 1 outsiders to inflict Aberdeen’s first defeat of the campaign.
McCulloch looked to keep things tight with a five-man rearguard but found themselves behind with only 10 minutes on the clock.
Dons skipper Graeme Shinnie was the creator with a deep cross from the left but after that it was all about May’s ability, with a flick to set himself up before volleying past Jamie MacDonald.
That early goal scuppered Killie’s gameplan and their frustration was underl ined by Wi lson’s rash challenge on Nicky Mayard that earned him a deserved booking from Stephen Finnie.
Wilson was then on the receiving end of a tackle from Scott Wright as the Dons man joined him in the book and the Killie stopper was forced off and replaced by Dean Hawkshaw.
That forced a change in the system with McCulloch switching to four at the back and the visitors slowly grew into the game.
Stephen O’Donnell glanced over from a Jones corner and a brilliant block from May denied Lee Erwin as he was about to pull the trigger.
Jones had a long range effort comfortably held by Joe Lewis before the Dons keeper pulled off a brilliant save when he clawed away Rory McKenzie’s shot.
It was going to take something special to beat the former England Under- 21 keeper – or a freak def lection like the one that drew Killie level three minutes into the second half.
Greg Stewart failed to clear the danger and the ball was worked to Jones. His shot came off Kari Arnason’s knee and the ball looped over Lewis and into the net.
Kenny McLean was furious with Stewart and gave his team-mate both barrels.
But it could have been worse for the Reds when Stuart Findlay hooked a shot off the bar from a Jones corner before Arnason cleared.
Ryan Chr istie and Gary Mackay- Steven were thrown on just before the hour mark with Aberdeen easily second best.
MacDona ld saved McLean’s header from May’s free- kick late on before Finnie wave away a penalty appeal when Mackay-Steven went down under O’Donnell’s challenge.
Killie angered the home side by time wasting which resulted in four added minutes and MacDonald tipped over May’s free-kick in extra time – but the visitors held on for a point that was the least they deserved for their efforts.