Leon’s in right States
Jon Daly has praised former Hearts kid Leon Jones for getting out of the UK bubble and chasing a football career in America.
The Irishman was Jones’ Under- 20s coach at Tynecastle as he tried to get into the first team.
Instead of a one-year deal in Gorgie, Jones took a four-year scholarship at the University of Kentucky. He’s excelling in the States and dreams of playing in the MLS one day.
Daly said: “We can get caught up in a UK football bubble at times.
“There’s a vast array of leagues out there and America has a high profile.
“Going abroad to play or coach is something people need to open their minds up to.
“Leon was an out-and-out centre-back at Hearts but he was unfortunate because a few were in front of him. He stood out in games, his attitude was terrific and he had good ability but he just never got that chance in the first team.
“I admire him for pursuing a dream. He’s got a good education behind him and the American leagues are up and coming.
“He’s there at the right time, his background at Hearts will have helped.”
Daly, along with Andrew Kean at First Point USA, was instrumental in securing the US move.
In the midst of the coronavirus crisis, the company is now offering to waive the fee for young players who want to pursue a scholarship in the States.
Daly said: “Leon was very good academically and I suggested to him that if he wanted to explore the possibility of America then we’d let him. He has done fantastic there. Kentucky won a league and cup double last year.
“First Point was excellent for Leon. If kids want to stay in football, as well as getting an education, it’s worth looking at.”