KENWYNE JONES is hoping that his match winning performance against Walsall on Wednesday night will be enough for him to retain his spot in the starting eleven for this weekend’s trip to West Ham United.
The Trinidad and Tobago international fired home his first professional career hat-trick to secure the Potters a Capital One 3rd Round trip to League One rivals Tranmere Rovers next month, having previously endured a run of eight months without netting.
Speaking exclusively to Stoke City Player following the encounter, the 28-year old revealed his delight at hitting the goal-trail but acknowledged that he would take greater satisfaction from being rewarded with a Premier League starting role on Saturday.
“I’m happy to have started the game and am delighted to have managed to score three goals, especially with competition for places being as strong as it is,” the former Sunderland and Southampton ace said.
“As a striker you hope that you come out, perform well and take your chances when they come along, and thankfully for me I managed to do that tonight, which is very pleasing.
“I feel like that sharp instinct is there inside the box and outside of it too at the moment, so long may that continue.”
He added: “Hopefully the gaffer will have sleepless nights between now and Saturday, because I for one would love the chance to feature at the weekend.
“All we can do is give him selection headaches, and hopefully I have done that tonight, just as several other players will be hoping they have done too.”