Salgado - Jones can top Terry

Spanish defender also keen to extend Ewood Park stint

Last updated: 8th May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Salgado - Jones can top Terry

Jones: Rated highly by team-mate

I think he's going to be the next Terry for sure, but he's more comfortable than him on the ball as well

Michel Salgado
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Michel Salgado has labelled Blackburn's Phil Jones as 'the next John Terry' and hopes to be playing alongside the teenage centre-back beyond next season.

The vastly-experienced Spanish defender has become the latest fan of the 18-year-old centre-half who has impressed in the Rovers backline since breaking into the first team at the end of March against Chelsea.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is said to be another admirer of Jones' ability but Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has moved quickly to tie down his young talent who signed an improved five-year deal this week.

And Salgado, who spent 10 years as a Real Madrid regular before moving to Ewood Park last summer, believes his team-mate has all the quality to be as good if not better than the Chelsea skipper.

"I think he's going to be the next Terry for sure, but he's more comfortable than him on the ball as well," said the veteran right-back who has become a regular in the Rovers team.

Rare

"It's rare to see a young player like him, it's a complicated position and an important position for the side, he's playing like a proven player already and he's only played 10 games. He's proved he's ready to play with us.

"But I'm not surprised about how well he has done, he's a great player, a great centre-back.

"He needs to learn to compete but I think he's in a great situation, and next season he's going to feel more confidence and be a real Blackburn senior player and next season we will be counting on him as an important player."

Salgado has another 12 months to run on his current deal at Blackburn and the former Real ace has hinted he is willing to extend his spell in Lancashire.

"Depending on the club, maybe I can keep going - I am really happy here," the 34-year-old added.

"I'm looking forward to next season and doing something big."