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Ewood E-Males: Phil Jones

Posted on: Tue 13 Apr 2010

Hi Phil. Thrown into the spotlight with instant recognition for your outstanding display against Chelsea, has this sudden rise to fame affected your normal life with family and friends and do you find yourself more aware when out and about? (Emma Shaw-Mackay, Blackburn).

Of course, you've got to be careful where you go and sometimes it can be awkward when out and about with family and friends, but it's nothing I didn't expect. I have had a few people coming up to me and saying how impressed they have been with my performances and it's pleasing when they take the time and trouble to do that.

Hi Phil. Well done on your performances this season. Which football team did you support as a young lad and which players from the youth team can you see following in your footsteps in the near future? Hope to see you playing for Blackburn and England for years to come. (Charlotte Reynolds, Ewood).

Thank you. Funnily enough, I supported Rovers as a kid. There are some very good prospects coming through from the youth team, as shown when we won through to the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup. But rather than pick any individuals, I would say that as a unit they look a very promising bunch.

Phil, we have seen a lot of young talent coming through the Rovers ranks recently. In your opinion, who should we be looking out for from the reserves next season? (David Stubbs, Oswaldwtwistle).

My answer to that would be the same as the last question. We have some very promising young players coming through and it is great for the club's future, but rather than spotlight individuals, I would point to their promise as a unit.

Phil, just want to say congratulations on the start you have made to your Rovers career. You are, in my mind, the most exciting talent to come through the Academy since the days of David Dunn and Damien Duff. My question is, how did it feel to start in the derby at Burnley? (Scott, Halesowen).

That really was an incredible feeling. The Chelsea game was very memorable because it was my Premier League debut, but, considering how much the matches against Burnley mean to the fans and everyone associated with the club, walking out at Turf Moor was really something special. But the best feeling of the lot was walking off at the end having won the game and kept a clean sheet.

Hi Phil. How much are you enjoying playing in the first team and who is your best mate at Rovers? (Eve Summersgill, Mellor).

Playing in the first team is a great experience and I am loving every minute. All the lads are good to get on with but I would say my best mate here is Martin Olsson.

Who was your idol when you were growing up? (Karen Lord, Helmshore).

That's a tough one. I don't remember one particular player being my idol but I do have very fond memories of going down to Cardiff with my family and watching the Worthington Cup final win against Spurs. We watched it from behind the goal and I can still see the winner from Andy Cole going in. So that day and that team stick in my mind.

Hi Phil. As a Lancashire lad like Dunny, do you see yourself staying with Rovers for the long term? (Harry Mussenden, Fleetwood).

I would like to think so. I am certainly very happy with the way things are at the moment, but you can never say never because you just never know what is going to happen in football. It's a funny game.

Phil, how did you feel after being named man of the match against Chelsea? (Darren Mitchell, Blackburn).

That really was the icing on the cake after a very pleasing performance and result. It was a brilliant feeling to hear my name announced over the loudspeaker and I was very proud.

Hi Jonesy. Who is the best player and/or hardest-working player you have played with or against in your short career so far? Also, if we were to buy one player for next season, within our budget, who would you pick and why? Keep up the great work. (Ryan Adams, Huntingdon).

They are all very hard-working and I have learned a lot from experienced professionals such as Ryan Nelsen, Keith Andrews and David Dunn, who pride themselves on doing the right thing and making sure they deliver on the pitch. I haven't faced that many players for the first team but of course the likes of Drogba, Malouda and Anelka stand out. I have also faced some top players in reserve matches such as Benjani and Sturridge and they were memorable encounters. If we could sign anyone, I would have to say Wayne Rooney!

Phil, you have played three or four first team games on the trot now. Which has been the best and why? (Neil Dunn, Haslingden).

Of course, the Chelsea match was special because it was my debut, but, especially as a Rovers fan myself, it would have to be the Burnley game because of what the result means to everyone.

Hi Phil. How did you feel when you got the message that you were going to make your Premier League debut against Chelsea? And how did the Chelsea game compare to your club debut against Nottingham Forest? (Eirik Aase, Norway).

I was very nervous before the Forest match because that was my first-ever first team game and I was my first chance to impress the manager at that level. Having experienced that, the Chelsea game was a little different but when you hear you have been chosen to start, you are really buzzing and the fact that it was at home in the Premier League against such big opponents mean there were again plenty of nerves. But once the match starts, you just want to make sure you produce your very best.

Hi Phil. If you weren't a footballer, what do you think you would be? And other than England, which national football team do you most admire? (Yunus Kazi, Blackburn).

I always enjoyed food technology at school, so probably something to do with cooking, such as a chef. As far as national teams are concerned, I would have to say Brazil.

Have you played for England at youth level and what are you international ambitions? (Jo Lee)

I have one cap at under-19 level against Turkey. Of course I would like to play for my country at higher levels but the important thing is to consistently produce the goods for Blackburn and then take what comes. Anything else is a bonus.


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