Liverpool expecting Lloyd Jones to progress well at Swindon

Liverpool Football Club harbour high hopes for Swindon Town's latest loanee acquisition Lloyd Jones, and expect the dominant defender to take his game to the next level while plying his trade in Wiltshire. Danny Gallagher discussed the defender with Liverpool U21 manager Michael Beale.

Jones signed for the Robins on a season long loan, just prior to last weekend's League One opener against Coventry City but was not registered in time to face the Sky Blues and make his County Ground bow.

Wednesday's EFL cup match against Queens Park Rangers could provide the first opportunity for the youngster to pick up his first minutes as a Swindon Town player.

The 20-year-old versatile defender made the move to Premier League side Liverpool before the 2011/12 season from his home town side Plymouth Argyle, and has been a permanent fixture in the Reds' academy sides ever since.

Total Sport this week spoke to Liverpool Under 21's manager Michael Beale, to get his thoughts on Jones and investigate what the youngster can bring to the table during his stint in SN1.

"Lloyd has been a captain of our u21 team as an 18-year-old and has a promising future," Beale began.

"He is comfortable playing as a right or left sided central defender and is dominant in the air both as a defender and when attacking set plays," he added.

Keen to see their academy prospect mature into a complete footballer, Liverpool have previously loaned the starlet to various posts within the Football League. While some spells have been hampered by injury, Beale is hopeful Jones will begin to shine while bossing the back line for Luke Williams' side.

"He has had previous loan spells at Cheltenham, Accrington and Blackpool. Last season, he suffered a knee injury that prematurely ended his season, but he will now be keen to push on this year and help Swindon to a successful season ahead," said Beale.

Jones' move from Merseyside to Wiltshire highlights the strong bond the two clubs have retained. During the 2015/16 season, Swindon Town were the recipient of several Liverpool hopefuls, after then manager Brendan Rodgers began to relocate academy youngsters to the County Ground to pick up more game time.

This is something Beale was keen to emphasize: "Lloyd joins an excellent club that we have worked with previously, with the loans of (Jordan) Williams, (Kevin) Stewart and (Lawrence) Vigouroux, and we feel this is the ideal place for Lloyd to develop further in the coming months.

"It was an easy decision for all parties to take," Beale added.

Looking forward too my season long loan @Official_STFC. Also delighted too sign a new contract with @LiverpoolFC pic.twitter.com/L28COCj6TH

— Lloyd Jones (@lloydjones51) August 6, 2016