Burnley midfielder Jones eyeing a third promotion
But he feels this Burnley side is the fittest he has played in, and boasts the best team spirit he has encountered.
The 29-year-old scored his first league goal for the Clarets on Saturday to open the scoring in a 2-0 win over his former club Derby.
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Hide AdThe victory created a five-point cushion from Burnley, in second place, to the Rams in third, with the Clarets, after six months in the top three, finally installed as favourites for promotion by the bookmakers.
The question has been asked whether the Clarets can stay the pacem both in terms of their bid to reach the Premier League, and their high-energy pressing game, but Jones, asked whether he has played in a fitter side, said: “I don’t think so no. Not only are we fit, it’s the mentality to be relentless.
“Especially at home we seem to have a lot more energy than the other teams.
“I think we’ve over-run a lot of teams this season and we’ve 13 games to go we’re still showing those energy levels and the mentality to keep going, so that’s a good thing.”
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Hide AdA group togetherness has also been key for Sean Dyche’s men, and Jones added: “In terms of team spirit it’s probably the best I’ve had.
“That counts for a lot.
“We’re in a good position. We know now difficult the league is, you’ve just got to be up for every game, really be on the front foot, play with a tempo as we have been doing and continue with the good habits.
“The gaffer and the staff and the whole ethos of the club has just been to look at the next game and keep working hard, be relentless in what we do in our effort levels, and we believe that mentality will lead to good performances.
“If you’ve got the performance the majority of the time, it puts you in a good position to get the result.”
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Hide AdThe next game is, of course, the East Lancashire derby at Blackburn Rovers.
Jones lined up against the Clarets while on loan with Rovers 12 months ago, and he smiled: “Historically in derbies form goes out of the window. They’ll definitely be up for it. They’ve been doing well this season and it will be a very difficult game. We’ll be full of confidence, but without being complacent whatsoever.”