Jones still harbouring title aspirations

Schalke could yet emerge from the shadows of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich to mount a title challenge, according to Jermaine Jones. Die Königsblauen midfielder admitted his side have not completely given up hope of winning the Bundesliga after climbing to third in the table. A 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen yesterday has given Schalke a 13-point cushion over fifth place, meaning UEFA Champions League football is now beckoning. But Jones says a lot can still happen over the seven remaining fixtures this season. "Our intention was to secure fourth place ahead of Leverkusen and we have done that," he told Sky television. "We are even third now and now we will have to see what else we can manage." With Gladbach losing at home to Hoffenheim, Schalke went into yesterday's game with even more motivation. While both third and fourth place mean Champions League football next season, only third guarantees a place in the group stage. "We heard the Gladbach result on the way to the stadium and that made us want to win today," added Jones. "I think we have taken a huge step forwards because we have put Leverkusen at a distance and now we are third."