Source: Team_Talk
Jones secures new Blackburn contract
Sam Allardyce insists Blackburn will be rewarded by what Phil Jones does on the pitch after he signed a new five-year contract with the club.[LNB] Jones has enjoyed a brilliant start to his fledgling Rovers career and has been rewarded for his form by putting pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at the club until 2015.[LNB]The 18-year-old was elevated into the senior ranks due Ryan Nelsen's knee injury and Christopher Samba's suspension.[LNB]Yet, despite coming up against both Chelsea and Manchester United in a five-match run in the side, Jones did not look out of place and played a major role in Blackburn securing home draws against both Premier League title challengers.[LNB]Little wonder Chelsea and Manchester City have already been linked with the Preston-born defender, whilst renowned talent spotter Arsene Wenger has also remarked what a fine impression Jones has made.[LNB]Allardyce has already noted Chris Smalling, a player of similar inexperience at Fulham, will join Manchester United in the summer, and seen Jack Rodwell's name get touted around as the vultures circle over the Everton man.[LNB]And although he is pragmatic enough to understand every player has his price, the Blackburn chief wants Blackburn to see some tangible reward for their investment.[LNB]"We are determined to hold on to Phil," said Allardyce.[LNB]"When you have spent so much time and effort developing a player you want to see the club benefit as much as possible by him playing on the field, not by the finance you are going to get.[LNB]"Blackburn have ploughed a huge amount of money into the academy for no reward recently.[LNB]"But Phil is a local lad and to see him come through like he has is absolutely magnificent."[LNB]Allardyce knows it will be some time before Jones has proved he has the talent to make an impression on the biggest stage.[LNB]But his handling of Didier Drogba and Dimitar Berbatov were fairly positive indications and the maturity he showed inside the Rovers dressing room was another sign Allardyce could have a star on his hands.[LNB]"Centre-half is a high-risk position," reflected Allardyce.[LNB]"The only place with more responsibility is goalkeeper because your mistakes get punished.[LNB]"As a manager, I had to decide whether to take that gamble but Phil had already minimised the risk with his performances in matches which were not high priority.[LNB]"In this little run, he has taken everything in his stride, whether it was Drogba or Berbatov.[LNB]"He has such a calm, collected, cool attitude, which is remarkable for someone so young.[LNB]"He is not a fish out of water in the dressing room. He doesn't look nervous or think it is a daunting task. He stands in the dressing room and it looks like where he should be. He plays like that.[LNB]"At this early stage it is difficult to say how good Phil will be but the prospects are very promising indeed."
