Phil Jones believes Rio Ferdinand's age is 'just a number' and has backed his experienced Man United team-mate.
Teenager thinks club-mate still has a lot to offer
Phil Jones believes Rio Ferdinand's age is 'just a number' and has backed his experienced Manchester United team-mate to continue to contribute at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson cited the arrival of Jones, along with the presence of Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling, as the reasons why Ferdinand can no longer be certain of a starting spot at Old Trafford.
With the 32-year-old's England prospects also on the wane, it seems there are plenty ready to write off the former captain of his country, but Jones is not amongst them.
It will not stop him giving everything in a battle to keep Ferdinand out of the team, but the £17million summer capture from Blackburn is eager to soak up all the lessons he can.
"Rio is a fantastic player," said Jones. "His age is just a number.
Living the dream
"I learn a lot from him every day in training. He is always helping me, always talking to me and that is massive."
Jones' performances at right-back have not come through watching Ferdinand, though.
He again excelled in Wednesday night's UEFA Champions League win over Otelul Galati, providing the cross for Antonio Valencia's early opener.
His omission from Stuart Pearce's Under 21 squad points to selection in what is likely to be a youthful England squad for the friendlies with Spain and Sweden when it is announced on Sunday.
And Jones admits he is living the dream at present, as the 19-year-old said: "I came here to play games and perhaps I didn't expect to play so many games so soon.
"I'm happy to play anywhere in the team, whether it's centre-back or right-back. I'm just enjoying it."
