He was Graham Arnold’s latest selection bolt from the blue – and he’s contributed to two clean sheets to start the Asian Cup campaign – but Gethin Jones has copped pelters from fans in the wake of his latest performance against Syria.
The Sydney Morning Herald football writer Vince Rugari described Jones as “honking” during Thursday’s scrappy 1-0 win over Syria while others questioned how the Bolton Wanderers defender is any better option than an A-League rival.
Arnie has two Scottish-based alternatives available in the squad in Hibernian fullback Lewis Miller and Hearts Nathaniel Atkinson.
Instead Arnold has opted for Jones, who had some previous experience alongside Harry Souttar. The 28-year-old was born in Perth and spent the first eight years of his life in Western Australia before heading back to the United Kingdom, and he represented Wales in under age teams from under 16 to under 21.
Gethin Jones of Australia looks on during the AFC Asian Cup Group B match between Syria and Australia at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on January 18, 2024 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
“He is one we have had our eye on for the last couple of years,” Arnold said ahead of the tournament.
“He wasn’t hard to convince but it does take time to get through the FIFA regulations to get him to change his registration.
“He probably would have been in the last camp but it didn’t come through in time.
“I went and watched him when I was in the UK. He was very impressive.
“Ryan Strain’s injury has given him that opportunity and it’s a position, the right full-back role, that we have been building strength and depth in, and we have taken three – with Nathaniel (Atkinson) and Lewis Miller.
“Nathaniel has only just come back from injury and he has only played two sets of 90 minutes. I do expect him to play another two or three games before we get into camp. But Gethin is one who was born in Perth and lived there until he was eight years of age before heading back to the UK. He has always wanted to play for Australia and has played for Wales at junior level.
“When I went to see him at Bolton Wanderers I was very impressed with him. He has had the privilege of playing with Harry Souttar before and so it is a great addition to the squad.”
Jones only made his debut in the Socceroos’ final warm up against Bahrain and has now started three games straight.
“I’ve known Arnie [Graham Arnold] and Reńe [Meulensteen] have been coming to the games at Bolton for quite a few months now,” he told FA Media.
“When I first had the chat with Arnie a couple of months back, he did tell me that there was a good chance of me going to the Asian Cup. He said that we wanted to win it.
“I’m not going to lie, it is nerve wracking walking into a room with so many fresh faces, I only knew Harry Souttar before, but I’ve settled in really well.”
Arnold charged Jones with adding some spark to the team going forward, a feature of his League One performances.
“What we do here is exactly the same as Bolton – attacking football,” he said.
“Arnold told me that when the ball is on the left side and the space on the right in front of me, I need to just make those runs, and I’ll get the space.
“When I get in the wide areas, I try and get as many crosses into the box while obviously doing my defensive duties as well.”
But Socceroo fans were less than impressed by his efforts against Syria.
Australia struggled to contain several Syrian counters but were much improved in the second half as Jackson Irvine squeezed home the only goal.
Jones has been playing an inverted role for the Socceroos and Erik Paartalu, speaking on the Network 10 post match coverage, creidted his positional play for opening the way for Martin Boyle’s decisive run into the box that led to Irvine’s winner.
“We saw Gethin Jones sitting inside allowed Marty Boyle to get one-one-one,” said Paartalu. “That allowed him the space to carry the ball inside and that allowed Irvine to take his time and think ‘Marty’s coming in, I’ll gamble and get myself in the box.’”
As they did in their 2-0 opening win over India, Australia laboured in the opening half. Arnold made three changes at the 57 minute mark – two before Irvine’s goal – and the most impressive injection of pace and energy came from Middlesbrough man Riley McGree.
“Former Soccer Luke Wilkshire hailed McGree’s impact off the bench, and the cameo increased calls for him to start against Uzbekistan as the Socceroos look to secure top place in Group B.
“He’s ever so positive,” said Wilkshire. “He’s always looking to go forward, drive forward and create.”
Australia have struggled against defensive opponents but the expectation, or hope, is that they’ll find better rhythm once they’re against better opposition and can play on the counter.
“Uzbekistan can be a great test for us because they’re going to open up and play football,” said Paartalu. So do we change our tactic to think about the round of 16 to be more defensive? If we try to play like that against Uzbekistan they’re going to hurt us.”
Harry Brill
Roar Rookie
Agree with all your points. I also thought the lack of LB selection was puzzling. When Behich retired from international duty, that LB spot will highly sought after. A lot of A League youngster are probably already fancying themselves a 2026 guernsey. My bet is on Bos, Farrell, Mauragis and Adamson to push the hardest.
Tony Harper
Editor
Vince works for the Sydney Morning Herald which is owned by Nine - the competitor to Newscorp (Daily Tellegraph, Herald Sun, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser)
Grem
Roar Rookie
Isn’t it owned by news corp, which is owned by Murdoch?
NickA
Roar Rookie
Interesting take - I think Uzbekistan can look at our previous matches (and perhaps the losses of Japan & Korea) and think that they could take us. I hope they don't sit back like all the other nations - would be nice to have a more progressive game to watch.
NickA
Roar Rookie
It just does not seem very Arnie to just throw Jones in there - he must really rate him? To throw him straight in at a major tournament. Thinking maybe he just likes the more experienced heads. I don't think he's our best right back on paper, but then again neither was Degenek and he played a couple of WC games there in 2022. I think given we have progressed, Arnie might give Miller a crack - and I hope he makes that spot his own. Re Behich, the level of fan hate for him is wild (not so much in your comment) - it's not his fault Arnie picks him at LB over Bos - especially as it seems Bos is preferred on the wing. Which confuses me even more - why did Arnie pick 3 specialist RBs but only Behich & Bos for LB?
NickA
Roar Rookie
Farrell is a left back - he'd be the natural understudy to Jordy Bos in the future I think - although I think Farrell is probably a better defender. As for RBs I think we are pretty well covered between Miller, Atkinson. Risdon could have been a good shout.
Garry
Roar Rookie
pt 1 Many players look good in their league but fail to step up internationally..weve had a few!! Theres nothing about league one which suggests he could step up. If we are going to experiment Id rather we try players like Farrell (and Nisbet elsewhere) who have paid their dues to AUSTRALIA football. If Jones was to be brought in he needed to be given as few games first. pt 2 If you mean Erik P he didnt really play much at higher levels, was a mdifielder and Trevor Morgan is the gaffer of the Young Socceroos. He was a good player at A League level. Personally if Arnie didnt want to play Miller and co why bring them? Also I think Behich could handle RB giving Bos his deserved LB spot.
Tony Harper
Editor
Ah, no he doesn't.
Harry Brill
Roar Rookie
Miller is stronger, battles harder, and enjoys overlapping. Have Boyle on the same edge, you have a ready-made Hibernian chemistry. Like many, I'm also tired of Behich holding LB when its evident Bos is in a stronger vein of form. As for Jones , the man was thrown in the deep end when he was selected for the Asian Cup having not completed a Roos camp prior. Hardly the ideal lead-up. He wasn't convincing against Bahrain (nor was the rest of the squad), he was average against India and he was average at best against Syria. The competition only ramps up from here and - as I stated last week - Jones, if he plays, will be competing against the hardest competition he's ever faced (minus a couple of FA cup hitouts maybe). I don't fancy his security ahead of Uzbekistan.
Grem
Roar Rookie
If Strain was available he would not have been chosen. He may grow into right back for the Socceroos, but at the moment I’d choose Miller and Atkinson before him. It may be an experiment that doesn’t work - we’ve tried a few at left and right back without success - Jones may be another.
NoMates
Roar Rookie
The kid from CCM.
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
he does work for Murdoch mate. Just sayin'
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
who would be your first A-League pick NM?
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
Ok, Point 1. The lad's been playing good football for Bolton in a seriously tough league. Not one of top leagues but they're in the mix for promotion to the Championship. There's only one lad in the Australian team he knows or has played with before. He steps into International football and for a new lad with so many unfamiliar elements contributing to the situation, he's getting stuck in, and in my opinion give time, familiarity and cohesion my belief is he could be come an asset. Point 2. Who's opinion do you think holds more water? A journalist who does know football but has a preference for Cross-Country volleyball (and there's nothing wrong with that), or lad who played at the highest levels as a Defender, played for his nation and is now the Gaffer for the young Socceroos, at team that knocked over several big Euro nations in the pre-season. I know where my preference lies.
TenTribesOfTexas
Roar Rookie
why would uzbekistan be more attacking? they only need a draw against the Roos to progress in second place. no guarantee that they will take the risks involved in trying for a win and lose which would see them knocked out of the tournament entirely to finish 3rd in the group. Counting your chickens before they hatch is never a good strategy.
JAJI74
Roar Rookie
I describe Vinge Rugari's journalism as Honking. 2 articles on the A League in 12 months - one re the riot at the Melbourne derby and one re his breaking news on the staff getting made redundant. Zero words written on actually anything on the field
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
For my money it has to be the beast Lewis Miller if they want to have a chance of winning this. Where would I place Gethin Jones in the A-league. certainly above Hingert,Koutroumbis,Lopez, Connor Chapman. Considering as well that those four right fullbacks are not even the best at their clubs. I would say he is middle of the table, Karacic is a better passer but a worse defender as well.
NoMates
Roar Rookie
I've said all along there was better players in the A-league, The guys a dud but will prob get more game time at the expensive of a better player next match.
NickA
Roar Rookie
I don't think he's been honking-level bad - but he stands out because he's been such a strange (and perhaps unnecessary?) selection.