Jordan Jones discusses his aims for the future at Sunderland, his lack of opportunities and THAT Crewe Alexandra goal

The January signing from Rangers is yet to start a league game since his arrival and has largely been restricted to substitute appearances since arriving on Wearside.

But he staked his claim at Gresty Road with a fine strike from distance which sparked Sunderland back into life - and teed-up the dramatic finale which saw Chris Maguire net a spectacular 97th minute leveller.

And while delighted to open his account for the club, Jones was more pleased with the wider meaning of the goal while also praising those who entered the fray alongside him as part of a quadruple substitution shortly into the second half.

“I'm delighted to get my first goal, but more importantly it contributes towards a point which could be vital at the end of the season,” said the winger.

“I've come on and I feel like I've done myself no harm, so it's a good feeling.

“I think the first 45, 50 minutes was nowhere near good enough for our standards,” he continued.

"We made Crewe look like a really good team. That's no disrespect to them, I just don't think we imposed ourselves on the game.

“I think it [the message from Johnson] was just to try and come on and create a goal or score goals and I think all the subs did really well. Obviously me and Chrissy will get the plaudits because of the goals, but every one of the subs was really bright and brought the energy that we needed.”

Jones insists his aim for the future at Sunderland is to nail-down a place in the side.

But he knows that will be no easy task given he is competing with the evergreen Aiden McGeady, whose form means the loanee has been loathe to complain at his lack of game time thus far.

"The team has been flying - there's no sign of me spitting my dummy out because I'm not playing or anything like that,” he said.

“McGeady has been top class and he's linking up with Charlie really well, so I understand I have to wait for my chance.

“I got my chance and I feel like I've come on and done well, and the most important thing is we got the point to take home.

"It is hard to go out every week and be top class. McGeady is the one in front of me and he has been top class.

"I just need to be ready to be called upon and hopefully I can show what I can do.”

“I've come to this club really lacking match fitness and I've put in and out the first few weeks, which I think has probably helped me fitness-wise,” he added.

“I've come on and shown I'm a lot fitter and a lot sharper on my mind. Hopefully I can play some more minutes now, but everyone is just focused on winning as many games as we can and then we'll see where we are come the end of the season.”

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