Big Sam intent on keeping Jones

Sam Allardyce insists Blackburn will get rewarded by what Phil Jones does on the pitch rather than what they could get in the transfer market. Jones has enjoyed a brilliant start to his fledgling Rovers career.The 18-year-old was elevated into the senior ranks due Ryan Nelsen's knee injury and Christopher Samba's suspension.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.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.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.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."We are determined to hold on to Phil," said Allardyce."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."Blackburn have ploughed a huge amount of money into the academy for no reward recently."But Phil is a local lad and to see him come through like he has is absolutely magnificent."Allardyce knows it will be some time before Jones has proved he has the talent to make an impression on the biggest stage.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."Centre-half is a high-risk position," reflected Allardyce."The only place with more responsibility is goalkeeper because your mistakes get punished."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."In this little run, he has taken everything in his stride, whether it was Drogba or Berbatov."He has such a calm, collected, cool attitude, which is remarkable for someone so young."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."At this early stage it is difficult to say how good Phil will be but the prospects are very promising indeed."

Source: Team_Talk