Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce admits it was a gamble to hand Phil Jones a Premier League debut in their draw with Chelsea.
After a man of the match display from Jones, Allardyce was delighted.
"I had to say that the decision was made easier because of the injuries," admitted Allardyce to the Rovers website. "We had toyed with Keith Andrews playing there as he did well against Bolton, or maybe Pascal Chimbonda who has played there a few times.
"But Phil is a centre half, he has to make his debut somewhere along the line, yes it is a big decision to make but we felt that on the back of his performances in the Carling Cup and then at Aston Villa in the FA Cup, that he was possibly ready.
"The risk was that if he didn't work then so be it, but I think it was the right thing to do.
"And I'm glad to say that not only has it worked, but it was an outstanding debut and it is really pleasing for everybody at Blackburn Rovers. For the Academy staff who have brought him through, he's a local lad and there's not many locals these days coming through and playing for the first team."
