If confidence was readily available to buy, then it would be the most expensive product on the market.
Jordan Jones openly admits he’s not been at his best for Kilmarnock so far this season. Since re-joining the Rugby Park outfit on loan in the summer, the winger has been in and out of the team and has struggled to make a sustained impact on the pitch.
There can be defining moments in the season for both clubs as a whole and players individually. Jones hopes Saturday was his.
The 28-year-old scored a stunning volley with seconds remaining on the clock to sink Dumbarton on Saturday. The League Two leaders put up a valiant effort to contain the Ayrshire side and could well have nicked progression to the Scottish Cup fifth round themselves.
However, Jones’ terrific strike as the clock hit 90 ensured that Killie booked their slot in the last-16 of the competition.
The Northern Ireland international was a second-half substitute in the match. He terrorised the Sons defence with his burst of pace, crosses into the box and eventually, the winning goal.
Jones knows he hasn’t showcased that kind of ability enough this campaign. He’s determined to change that, though.
He said: “The ball seemed to stay in the air for quite a while - it seemed like forever - but you’re taught as a kid to keep your eye on the ball and try to keep the ball down. Thankfully I did that and thankfully it was the winning goal.
“I always say there are two types of confidence. I’m always going to be confident in my ability - I know how good a player I am when I’m at the top of my game.
“Then there’s a confidence from going on the pitch and things just happening for you. I just don’t feel like I’ve been at that level this season, but I’m working every day trying to get back there and I’m confident I will.
“I feel like there were a lot of good goals going in the box, especially in the last 30-odd minutes. Sometimes in football you just need a little break, a little bit of luck, and luckily the ball fell to me
“I think that’s fair to say I haven’t played as much as I’d like, but I respect the manager and his decisions. I’ll openly admit that I don’t think I’ve been at my best. It’s not for the lack of trying, and confidence is a massive thing in football.
“If you could buy it off the shelf, it would be the most expensive thing. You’ve got to keep working hard, and little moments like that probably are going to help in the long run.
“I am confident that I will get back to my best, and when I do I think it will be beneficial for everyone - me, the club and the manager.
“Last week was a disappointment but it’s made the squad more hungry to get back there. The first time I was here we didn’t get there, which I always felt was a big miss, because we did so well. To not go on a cup run was criminal, considering how well we’d done.
“Having got there this time, we’re just desperate to get back there again and ticking Dumbarton off the list was the next step.”
