Blackburn youngster Phil Jones is delighted his performances for Rovers have brought him to the attention of Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti.

The versatile teenager, who can operate at centre-back or in midfield, has been compared to Blues captain John Terry by the Italian tactician.

Jones, who has also been tipped for an England call-up, has admitted he has modelled his game on the Stamford Bridge favourite and fellow international Rio Ferdinand.

The 18-year-old has impressed after being thrust into Premier League action by Sam Allardyce and is keen to focus on producing the goods at club level.

Stick

Jones said: "I just keep playing well for Blackburn and if the England thing happens, it happens.

"It's nice that Chelsea have been watching me and I read what Ancelotti said. I've had a bit of stick from the lads though.

"I definitely want to play at the very top.

"Terry is someone I always admired when I was growing up. I watched him a lot. Him and Rio Ferdinand were the players I modelled myself on."

Source: Sky Sports

Maybe this will answer our long term replacement for Terry worries. Here's hoping.

I read that article the other day, and had meant to post it here but somehow never got round to it. What struck me as strange was that on some other site somewhere, Phil Jones's quotes were interpreted as "Jones to snub Chelsea"

I have only seen a couple of games with him, but he looks solid enough. If the comparisons are accurate then sign the fella up before City or Utd get to him first.

By the time Jones is in his pomp Alex and JT will be in their early 30s, and Ivan will be in his late 20s. Even if Bruma and van Aanholt come along as expected, there is going to be a need at CB.