Isaiah Jones has had a mixed start to the 2024/25 campaign for Middlesbrough and could lose his starting place.
With Marcus Forss still sidelined by an injury suffered in 2023/24, Isaiah Jones started the current season as Boro’s primary right winger.
The 25-year-old was superb on the opening weekend of 2024/25, winning a penalty that Emmanuel Latte Lath scored as Middlesbrough beat Swansea City 1-0 to pick up their first opening day win for 10 years.
However, Jones’ form has taken something of a nosedive in the league since he shone versus the Swans and in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Leeds United.
After seeing off the Welsh outfit at the Riverside Stadium, Michael Carrick took his men to Pride Park the following weekend.
Middlesbrough lost 1-0 versus Derby County after Jones’ sloppy backpass allowed Kayden Jackson to run clean through on goal and score the winner.
His performances have continued to look subpar for Middlesbrough but Jones has now sent a clear message to Carrick.
Isaiah Jones sends Michael Carrick message with Guyana display
Jones headed into the current season with very little competition for his starting place on the right wing.
However, Boro have now signed Micah Hamilton on a permanent deal from Manchester City and Ben Doak on loan from Liverpool.
The duo are expected to prove a threat to the established Middlesbrough man’s place in the team but Jones has just sent a clear message to Carrick with his latest international display.
Jones was in action for Guyana on Monday evening, taking on Martinique in a CONCACAF Nations League tie.
The fixture ended 2-2, a result neither side wanted, but the Boro man was the standout performer in the clash.
Jones started in his favoured right-wing position and was able to bag a brace in the opening 24 minutes of the game, showing Carrick exactly why he needs to continue starting him on the right at club level.
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Will Michael Carrick start Isaiah Jones for Middlesbrough vs Preston North End
Club football returns this weekend and Middlesbrough are set to take on Preston North End at home in a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, September 14th.
Boro are currently seventh in the Championship table while Preston are down in 21st after just one win in four.
It is a must-win fixture for Carrick ahead of what is a tough run of games against some of the top teams in the division, including Sunderland.
As a result, the Boro boss will have a major decision to make when it comes to who he will start on the right wing.
Jones has struggled for the Teessiders recently but his latest international display suggests he still has plenty to offer going forward.
But Doak was signed on deadline day and the 18-year-old could be in line for his Middlesbrough debut this weekend.
There is a lot of hype around the teenager and Saturday’s game may be the best time for him to make his first start given the tough run on the horizon.