If Kilmarnock fans boo Jordan Jones then they are booing me – Steve Clarke

| 17 January 2019

Jones is joining Rangers at the end of the season.

Manager Steve Clarke warned Kilmarnock fans they will be booing him if they turn on Rangers-bound Jordan Jones.

Some Rugby Park fans expressed anger after the Northern Ireland winger signed a pre-contract agreement with the Light Blues then tweeted: "Unbelievably proud day for my family. I've waited for this moment for a long time and today is a dream come true".

Jones, who will join the Ibrox club on a four-year deal in the summer, tweeted again soon afterwards: "I've said it before and will say it again I couldn't be more grateful to @KilmarnockFC for their support and backing the last 3 years."

That was not enough to appease some fans but at a press conference at Rugby Park, ahead of the William Hill Scottish Cup clash against Forfar on Saturday, supporters were warned that manager Clarke will take any abuse personally.

"If the fans boo Jordan then they are booing me as well because if I select Jordan to play for Kilmarnock then they are criticising my selection," Clarke said.

"He has trained great since he came in after the winter break, I look forward to seeing him on the pitch again.

"I have to pick the best team and if Jordan is part of the best team then he will play."

Jones, who signed for Kilmarnock from Middlesbrough in 2016, ruled out a move to Ibrox in this window and stressed his commitment to the Killie cause.

He said: "The tweet, looking back, I was probably a bit too over-excited, a bit inexperienced at the time but it has happened, there is nothing I can do, I can't take it back.

"It has happened and the only way I can win them back is by my performance on the pitch.

"I have always tried to give my best for this club, I don't think my commitment has been in question and knowing that I am leaving in the summer won't change it.

"The Rangers thing now has been put to the side until the summer.

"I am fully committed to Kilmarnock.

"I understand everyone has an opinion on football and maybe they are a bit upset in the way it was done but it is part of football.

"The only thing I can do is show how committed I am.

"My team-mates know I am committed, the gaffer knows I am committed and everyone in the club knows I am committed so it's my turn to prove to the fans, as I have over two and half years, that I am committed."

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