Jones likely to give Johnson chance to atone for huge lapse

The volatile winger received his marching orders for the eighth time in his career in England – and fifth time in an Owls’ jersey – in the recent Capital One Cup derby defeat to Rotherham United after headbutting Millers rival Ben Pringle.

The Jamaican international, 33, has now served his three-match ban and is back in Jones’s thoughts for tomorrow’s trip to Middlesbrough, having apologised for his actions on Twitter. The Owls chief is confident he has learned his lesson.

Jones, who fined Johnson – the Owls’ longest-serving player – following the incident, which he deemed to be “unacceptable”, said: “He’s wise enough and old enough to know he shouldn’t be doing those things. It doesn’t matter whether it’s today’s game or 15 years ago – he shouldn’t be doing those things. Nothing has changed. It’s certainly been an expensive lesson for him. I am sure he won’t want to do it again.

“His attitude has always been good. I think he went on his Twitter account and apologised.

“He’s let everyone down and now he’s got to make up for that. If selected, he’ll get that opportunity.”

The Owls have been linked with a move for Stoke City’s England Under-21 goalkeeper Jack Butland, although Jones would not be drawn on any speculation.

Jones also refused to confirm or deny reports that former captain Jose Semedo is wanted by South African side Kaiser Chiefs.

The Owls boss did reveal that midfielder Seyi Olofinjana is still training with the club, who are still attempting to move out fringe players to make money available to sign him permanently.

The 33 year-old free agent spent a successful spell on loan at the club from Hull City last season.

Meanwhile, Jones insists that another former Owls loan star – Ross Barkley – fully merits his shock full England call-up for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers with Moldova and Ukraine and says his next task is to make himself a squad regular.

The Everton teenager endeared himself to the Hillsborough faithful with a high-class temporary stint late last year and the gifted midfielder has re-emerged spectacularly on the first-team scene at Goodison Park under Roberto Martinez, who has likened his style to that of former Germany captain Michael Ballack.

Jones said: “It wouldn’t have taken a genius to work out that Ross was going to be a (top) player.

“He’s a young lad and was going to make his mistakes. But for his performance so far this season, he probably deserved to be included in the squad. His next stage is to continue doing that.

“He is a talent and will get better and better as he matures as a player.

“Our fans saw he was a quality player and I wish all the very best. He’s going to be an absolutely superb player.”

Wednesday’s Championship rivals Brighton have signed midfielder Jesse Starkey from Chelsea on a two-year deal. The 17-year-old, who was born in Brighton, has been on trial with Albion this summer.