Leon Jones said he was embracing the “responsibility” of his pivotal role in Hong Kong’s fast-changing team, only five months after his international debut.
Operating in a position where there is considerable competition for places, it is a compliment to both Jones’s ability on the ball and organisational attributes that he has been trusted with the sole conventional centre-back spot in Ashley Westwood’s side.
In his four games as head coach, Westwood has employed Fernando in a hybrid position, where the 38-year-old flexes between defence and midfield.
A former Scotland youth team captain, and product of America’s physical university football system, the Kitchee player has started and finished all of Westwood’s matches, following a testing debut in a World Cup qualifier against Iran in June.
“When Fernando drifts forwards, the onus is on me to organise and make sure guys are in the right position, in case there is a transition,” Jones said.
“It’s an important position, but one I enjoy because I like taking responsibility.