Manchester United defender Phil Jones has insisted that he is now ready to 'kick on' after recently returning to regular action following an injury ravaged few seasons. The centre-back has struck up a surprising partnership with Marcos Rojo and is getting better each game.
As recently as a few weeks ago it had looked as though Jones' United career was drawing to a sad close, but his performances of late have ensured he will still have a part to play.
"I have always said that if I get a run of games and stay fit I know what I am capable of," Jones is quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News.
"I am not a player who goes on mazy runs, I like to defend. I like to do a job for the team. Hopefully the manager and everyone around me can see I am trying to do the best for the team," he added.
It is certainly that awareness of his capabilities and not trying to play beyond his ability that has seen the former Blackburn fare much better than John Stones across Manchester at the Etihad Stadium in recent weeks.
Jones no longer has the luxury of time on his hands and also gave an honest assessment of what he needs to do now to keep his place in the team.
"I am still learning. I am 24 and am not getting any younger and the whole tag of being a young player is no longer with me anymore. I need to kick on and putting in performances like I have been and improve," he said.
"I need to kick on in terms of playing more games. I have missed a lot over the last couple of years. I love playing football so I want to play as many as I can. It's an old cliché but it is game by game for me."
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