Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean eager to hold on to Arsenal target Phil Jones

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By Alex Fisher

31 May 2011 00:04:00

Phil Jones of Blackburn (Getty Images)

Phil Jones of Blackburn (Getty Images)

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Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean has advised defender Phil Jones to stay at Ewood Park and resist the temptation of joining a top four club.

The central defender made 28 appearances for Rovers this season even though he spent time on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury in December.

He returned from injury to help guide the club clear of the relegation zone and his form has attracted Premier League big boys Arsenal but Kean believes Ewood Park is the best place for the 19-year-old’s development.

“I don’t know if Phil would go straight into the team at a Champions League club,” said Kean to reporters.

“He is a Rolls-Royce, he is a fantastic player and is bound to attract interest.

“He plays like a 28-year-old, he’s got experience and calmness and when needed he has got that turn of pace.”

Jones came up through the academy at Blackburn, making his Premier League debut for the club against Chelsea in March 2010 and has quickly gone on to become an integral part of Kean’s plans.

“He is also a supporter and it’s great for the fans to see one of their own playing,” he added.

“He was outstanding at the end of the season.”

With Jones due to represent England Under-21s in their European Championship campaign in Denmark interest in the youngster is only going to increase, but Kean insisted he had no intention of letting his prize asset leave in the near future.

“You always brace yourself for bids – we have had offers before for him and I am sure there will be solid ones in again,” he continued.

“He will move on some time, but I can see him being captain here first.”

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Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean eager to hold on to Arsenal target Phil Jones