SAM Allardyce's decision to give Phil Jones his Barclays Premier League debut on Sunday proved to be the correct one.

The Rovers boss pondered whether to give the 18-year-old his first start in the league or to go for more experience after injuries to Ryan Nelsen and Gael Givet left the club short of cover at the back.

But after a man of the match display from Jones, Allardyce was delighted.

"I had to say that the decision was made easier because of the injuries," admitted Allardyce.

"We had toyed with Keith Andrews playing there as he did well against Bolton, or maybe Pascal Chimbonda who has played there a few times.

"But Phil is a centre half, he has to make his debut somewhere along the line, yes it is a big decision to make but we felt that on the back of his performances in the Carling Cup and then at Aston Villa in the FA Cup, that he was possibly ready.

"The risk was that if he didn't work then so be it, but I think it was the right thing to do.

"And I'm glad to say that not only has it worked, but it was an outstanding debut and it is really pleasing for everybody at Blackburn Rovers. For the Academy staff who have brought him through, he's a local lad and there's not many locals thesedays coming through and playing for the first team.

"We've the youth team in the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup against Chelsea and we left him out of the first leg on Wednesday night to make sure we got him ready for this game, and it has turned out to be a really good decision I'm glad to say."

Rovers Player subscribers can listen to this evening's FA Youth Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge.