News that Welsh winger Craig Jones is on trial with Leeds United has been met with widespread derision from Whites fans, confused as to why the club think we need another winger with the myriad of options available to Simon Grayson.

On paper, it’s a fair point. Ramon Nunez, Lloyd Sam, Robert Snodgrass, Robbie Rogers, Andros Townsend and Danny Pugh should provide the depth we need for two positions.

That doesn’t tell the full story however. Firstly, Danny Pugh is a utility player. He’s been played on the wing lately, so most Leeds United fans add him to this list. Long-term however, he’s a more likely candidate for left back or central midfield. He’s a useful player to have because he can slot in almost anywhere the team is short of cover, but he’s primarily a stop-gap to cover the absence of others.

That brings us down to five, one of which is a loanee, so should not be factored in at all – especially by those that like to complain about our lack of “long term vision”.

Of the other four, one is Ramon Nunez – perhaps the most inconsistent player I’ve ever seen, whose real danger comes as an impact sub played centrally. Definitely not a natural winger and not someone I’d consider for the position at all unless desperate, which we have been at times this season largely as a result of Max Gradel’s deadline day sale.

Now we’re left with the pretty much unknown entity that is Robbie Rogers, who hasn’t received a work permit yet so may never actually play for Leeds United and Lloyd Sam, who has played well at times, but looked pretty average for the most part – more squad player than first team regular.

You could also factor in Ross McCormack, but he’ll “do a job” on the wing and would only leave us short on strikers if he was to play there long term. Similarly, factoring Aidy White in only creates further gaps elsewhere in the team.

Ultimately, what we have is one Robert Snodgrass, a loanee, a player that may never grace Elland Road’s hallowed turf and a distinctly average squad player. Another winger should be considered as much a priority as any full-back or central defender because we’ve suffered all season after failing to replace Max Gradel.

Admittedly, Craig Jones’ record in the Welsh Premier League doesn’t count for much at all, but then nor did Robert Snodgrass’ in the SPL. Plucking players from obscurity is what you have to do on such a limited budget, and there’s nothing to say Jones won’t be just as successful as those that came before him.

Fans should also remember that this is nothing more than a trial. It might work out, it might not, but if it does, he’ll be a low risk gamble on a relatively low wage. The fact we have Craig Jones with us at the minute does not mean the club aren’t looking at central defenders and full-backs, it just means the press have picked up on his trial and that’s all we’re hearing about at present.