English goalkeeper who's No 1 in Portugal... Jones is reaping the rewards of career gamble after release from West Brom



The net has been cast far and wide for prospective England goalkeepers in the wake of Joe Hart’s struggles, but not far or wide enough it seems.



Not as far as Portugal, where a 27-year old product of the Potteries is making a name for himself for Belenenses.



There is no pretence that Matt Jones should be lined up to replace Hart, though a scouting trip to Lisbon cannot be ruled out if he performs as he has over the last 18 months.



Treading a different path: But Matt Jones' decision to move abroad has done wonders for his career

MATT JONES FACTFILE

D.O.B. 11/5/86 (age 27)

Clubs: Western Mass Pioneers (2009)

Santa Clara (2009-11)

Uniao Madeira (2011-12)

Belenenses (2012-)

Either way, his story is a lesson for those marginalised by the influx of foreign players.



Rather than drop divisions or out of the game, they should fight fire with fire, according to Jones, and rebuild abroad.



The Stoke-born keeper bucked the trend after failing to make the grade at boyhood idols Port Vale and finding his route to a deal at West Brom blocked by Polish import Tomasz Kuszczak.



‘After West Brom let me go, I attended an exit trial at Lilleshall and was offered a place at an American university by a guy

representing them,’ he said.



‘I was hoping for trials at other English clubs, but he came back to me two weeks later and said it included a full scholarship, living expenses, the lot. It was a big step, but I had a great time. It was near New York, I won awards with the college team and ended up with a degree in business management.

‘I also discovered that when you are prepared to take a risk, doors often open.

England's No 1: But Joe Hart has been dropped by Manchester City after a string of errors

Competition: Fraser Forster (left) and John Ruddy (right) are challenging Hart for his England place

'The coach at college was Portuguese — he recommended me to a team who invited me for a trial. Two days later, they (Santa Clara) offered me a two-year contract. It happened that quickly, and a couple of years later, I was signing for Belenenses, who were traditionally considered Portugal’s fourth-biggest club but hit financial trouble a decade ago and dropped down the leagues. They had just been taken over and set a target of getting back into the top flight. We did it as second division champions last season, and the club gave me a new three-year contract. I do appear to be first choice, and just the other week, I was lining up in the tunnel at Benfica alongside Oscar Cardozo, waiting to step out in front of 50,000.



‘It was a leap of faith leaving home, but it has made me the player and person I am.



‘I have experienced different cultures and learned a new language, and it has enriched my life. I wake up to sunshine and I’m playing against world-renowned players. I’m as happy as I’ve ever been. I miss my family and friends, but not much else. Portugal now feels like home as much as England does.

Packing a punch: Jones thwarts a Porto attack in a 1-1 draw last weekend

‘It’s a worry for young English talent, and the national team, to see so many foreign players in the Premier League.



‘It’s like our boys are up against the rest of the world, rather than the rest of the country, in the battle for places. So why not try your luck abroad?’



‘But, no, I wasn’t shouting, “What about me?” at the TV! It’s going well here, but I’m not getting ahead of myself.

