Rush looks to make magic with the Druids

Toddler Jonathan Rush was a few days away from his second birthday when Ian, his father, scored one of the most memorable goals of his career, giving Wales a never-to-be-forgotten 1992 UEFA European Championship qualifying victory over Germany in Cardiff.

First steps
Throughout his young life Jonathan became used to the plaudits raining down on his famous dad. Now, as a 19-year-old, he has the chance to begin claiming some of the spotlight for himself with his first steps in the Welsh Premier League for Newi Cefn Druids AFC. The teenage striker is one of three signings the club has made in the January transfer window. He impressed in friendly games against Wrexham FC and Llandudno FC, scoring in the latter game, before making his league debut against Prestatyn Town FC.

'Raw and enthusiastic'
Joint managers Waynne Phillips and Lee Jones are delighted to have brought the player to the Plaskynaston Lane club. "Jonathan's young, raw and full of enthusiasm," said Phillips. "It was pleasing to see when we approached him that he didn't ask: 'How much?'"

No hype
However Phillips has cautioned supporters against building him up too soon. "He's a very quiet lad but he's great to work with − he just wants to improve as a footballer. He's played a lot of Sunday League football and that's toughened him up a bit. He comes across as an honest lad, and that will come from his background and his dad. That said, we don't want people to put their expectations on him just because he has the surname Rush."

Home truths
The advantage of taking on a player with a gilt-edged pedigree is that even away from the training ground, he will still be receiving expert tuition. "Myself and Lee will help Jonathan but there isn't a better person to listen to than his dad," added Phillips.

Sitter
There is no doubt he is a chip off the old block, showing similarities to Ian whose distinguished career included two spells with Liverpool FC as well as a season with Juventus. "In his running style he is like his dad but he missed one from two yards last week and I turned to Lee and said: 'Ian would never have done that.' If the goals go in for him hopefully people will start talking about him rather than his dad."

Tenth season
Based in a small village outside Wrexham, Druids are struggling just two places off the foot of the table but a tenth successive season in the Welsh Premier League is a source of pride. "Lee and I are both former pros with Wrexham and we tend to get a lot of their young pros," said Phillips. "Jonathan came highly recommended by coach Joey Jones. He had been there a number of weeks and it was just a question of getting him a decent standard of football. I'm sure if he does well clubs will be queuing up for him further down the line."