Allardyce knows that Jonesy's time will come

Rovers manager Sam Allardyce has admitted he didn't expect Phil Jones to be in the England squad but thinks it is only a matter of time before the young prodigy hits the big time.

Jones was omitted from an experimental England squad that included Jay Bothroyd and Jordan Henderon.

His omission came as something of a knock back given the new talent being pumped into the team but at only 18 years of age to say time is on his side would be the biggest understatement since someone said that Katie Waissel off of the British X-Factor was a tad annoying.

Big Sam told Sky Sports - "I didn`t expect him to be in the England squad but it would have been be nice if he got called up if Fabio wanted to have a look at a few bright up and coming youngsters and Phil is one of the brightest in the country at the moment.

"There is no doubt about that. I have been here two years and I have seen him grow from a young boy into a man in less than two years. He is a man on the field even though he is only 18 and with exceptional talent.

"That talent, with the right attitude is going to take him a long, long way. Eventually I think it will get him in the England set up."

Former Newcastle and Bolton manager Allardyce's main wish for Jones is that he keeps those big feet on the floor and is pleased that the hype around the boy is not getting too much too soon.

Our boss continued - "Lets not throw not too much at him, there is so much being said at the moment. Let him play his football as he is and enjoying it.

"He didn`t enjoy that on Saturday though because we lost. He is as miserable as sin because he hates losing.

"If he gets selected for England one day it is fabulous for his family and fabulous for Blackburn Rovers and we will take a lot of pleasure out of seeing him play for England in the near future."

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