Source: PA
Big Sam cautious over youngster Jones
Sam Allardyce is determined to ensure teenage starlet Phil Jones avoids being plagued by injuries like Michael Owen.
Like Owen, Jones has broken into the Premier League at an exceptionally early age.
Yet Allardyce feels the direct consequence of Owen's elevation to international ranks and the Liverpool side at 18 are the muscular problems that have blighted the second half of his career.
And, as Jones celebrates his first England Under-21 call up for Tuesday's encounter with Uzbekistan at Ashton Gate, Allardyce has vowed to adopt an ultra careful approach to the Lancastrian's progression.
"Phil is 18 and you have to take into account the delicate state of his body," said Allardyce. "He has not matured into an adult yet. When you are playing in the top league in the world it can be a huge risk if he is overplayed.
"The perfect example is Michael Owen. Liverpool overplayed him at 18. All of a sudden he is riddled with hamstring injuries and despite only being 30 he is now struggling to recapture the form from when he was 21. We have to guard against that."
