Ritchie’s reward for hard graft

GOOD TO BE BACK... Ritchie Jones hopes to enjoy a lengthy run in the Athletic starting line-up.

RITCHIE Jones wasn't one to moan and groan when things weren't going his way at Athletic.

A very positive start to his Boundary Park career stalled through lack of form and injury.

Prior to Plymouth, his last start was at Dagenham in mid-November, playing in central midfield in the absence of the suspended Dean Furman.

Though fit, Jones wasn't even named among the substitutes for the recent home derby against Rochdale.

Assistant boss Gerry Taggart wrote recently in his Chronicle column that hard work away from the public gaze would be rewarded in terms of matchday appearances.

And if there is one thing the 24-year-old former Manchester United trainee provides, it is plenty of energy — as he showed in the 2-0 win at Home Park.

"It is the same with any player," said Jones. "Sometimes you find yourself out of the team and you have to put up with it, get on with things and work hard in training to get back in there.

"I had injuries for a few weeks so I didn't expect to just walk back into the team.

"The lads had been doing well and you just have to take your chance when you get it.

"It was a good game on Saturday and the lads did well.

"Plymouth are a strong side and everyone was happy with the result.

"I was happy, personally, but mainly that we got the three points.

"It was mainly a grafting game and I feel like I put a shift in, as did the other lads as well."

Athletic manager Paul Dickov, who is preparing for tomorrow’s visit of Brentford, currently has a wealth of options on the wings.

With the loan re-signing of Cedric Evina, the recent presence of Aidan White, the shifting of Chris Taylor back to a wide position, the good form of non-contract man Filipe Morais, the return to fitness of Lewis Alessandra and the emergence of young Kirk Millar, Jones still has plenty of competition for a place in the side.

"We have a lot of wingers at the club and all of us offer different things," he added.

"Whatever team the gaffer picks, you just have to go with it that day."