Versatile Everton youngster Gethin Jones bolsters Barnsley ranks

Highly-rated Jones, 21, a regular for Wales in their youth sides, has come through the academy ranks at Goodison Park and lifted the Under 18s Premier League title in May 2014.

The Welshman made his full Everton debut later that year when he came on as a second half substitute in the Toffees’ Europa League tie with FK Krasnodar.

While able to operate across the pitch, Jones is likely to provide cover in the short-term with Andy Yiadom on African Cup of Nations duty with Ghana.

Head coach Heckingbottom, hoping that the club can field off continued interest in the likes of Conor Hourihane and Marc Roberts, among others, said: “It’s a great signing for us and I’m really looking forward to bringing Gethin’s talents into the squad.

"He fits the profile in terms of what we’re looking for and the way that we like to play. He’s young, dynamic, quick, and we believe that he’s got what it takes to make an impact at Championship level.

"One of the key strengths that Gethin brings to the squad is his versatility. Although naturally a right back, in recent games for the Everton U23s, he’s comfortably operated as a right midfielder, central midfielder and even as a left back.

"So he provides us with various options. Having spoken to both the staff at Everton and to the player, we all firmly believe that this move will be of huge benefit to his development and equally we feel that he can be a huge asset for Barnsley Football Club over the coming months.”

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