Blackburn extend Phil Jones' contract

Blackburn defender Phil Jones has signed a new contract at Ewood Park which runs until the summer of 2016.

Currently injured, the 18-year-old England Under-21 international agreed a one-year extension on Tuesday.

"This is great news, especially on the back of so many other key players committing themselves to the club," said Rovers manager Steve Kean.

"Phil has made incredible progress and his form, prior to his unfortunate injury, attracted a lot of attention."

Jones - who can play in both central defence and midfield - follows the likes of captain Chris Samba, Michel Salgado, Jason Roberts and Mark Bunn in agreeing new contracts in the last month.

"It speaks volumes that Phil is happy to stay here for the long term and we are all absolutely delighted," added Kean.

Jones played every match for Rovers in the Premier League this season before getting injured against West Ham in December, after which he underwent surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee.

He has recently returned to light training and could be back in the squad as early as mid-March.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackburn_rovers/9398616.stm

In a similar vain to the Mark Davies contract extension at Bolton, its a great credit to the club that these young players are committing to their current clubs.

A great bit of news there, at least if we do end up selling him now we should get a bigger fee !! :friend:

I agree Beef Jerky! I think it is a great coop, but I reckon he will end up going. No way if he improves he will stay on. Look what happened to Duff and Dunn! But one good thing is that he will end up back at us in a few years after injury haha all the players who leave us, who are big names, end up going to a bigger club and getting injured. i.e. Bellamy, Dunn, Santa Cruz! But then Duff didnt really do well at Chelsea. They should stay with the chicken people now!