Source: Team_Talk
Jones has good career ahead - Sam
Sam Allardyce is convinced Blackburn's Phil Jones has a big future in the game - providing he can resist any temptations that come his way.[LNB] The 18-year-old centre-back has enjoyed a fabulous start to his Premier League career.[LNB]After making his first senior start in the draw with Chelsea last month, Jones was at the heart of a Rovers defence that kept Manchester United quiet at Ewood Park on Sunday.[LNB]Jones has already played five matches on the trot and with Christopher Samba limping out of the first half against United, looks set to keep his place, even though skipper Ryan Nelsen is available again.[LNB]It all looks so rosy for the Preston-born starlet, who was handed a two-year contract at the start of this season.[LNB]But Rovers boss Allardyce is only too aware the hard work is just starting for Jones, with actual ability only part of the package required to reach the top.[LNB]"Phil has to be very careful because stardom can come very quickly when you perform like that and you can let that go to your head," Allardyce told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.[LNB]"He is going to get lots of attention. People he has never met before are going to try and ring him up. The girls in the area where he lives are going to look at him that bit more and give him a second glance.[LNB]"His parents seem very nice people who would not let him get carried away, which is good because as long as Phil keeps his feet firmly on the floor he has a good future."[LNB]Allardyce has been impressed at the relaxed manner with which Jones has handled all the tests that have been thrown at him.[LNB]At no stage has the teenager appeared fazed by the responsibility of appearing in such a pivotal position on such a grand stage.[LNB]"His maturity on the field has been exemplary," said the Blackburn chief.[LNB]"You could not have a more difficult baptism than the one he has had, but two goals conceded in five games that Phil has started tells its own story.[LNB]"He has shown a great maturity on the field. He has a good head for the game and good intelligence.[LNB]"His football brain gets him into good starting positions. He senses danger. For a young man of 18, that is a terrific asset at this level.[LNB]"He has been a great bonus for us."[LNB]Not that Allardyce was oblivious to Jones' talent. Just that he did not expect to be calling on it quite so quickly.[LNB]"His development has surprised me," he said.[LNB]"We saw it coming but we didn't see it flourishing quite as quickly as this.[LNB]"I didn't see me playing him in five games on the trot. I thought as soon as Ryan Nelsen was fit, he would be taken out for a rest.[LNB]"But he has not put a foot wrong and is growing in confidence.[LNB]"We are safe now so the more experience I can give him, the more it will stand him in good stead, not just for this season but the start of next."
