Jones Learns From Experience

Phil Jones claims he will learn from his injury setbacks this term as he continues to push for a regular starting spot at United.

Despite securing his first Barclays Premier League title medal, the versatile 21-year-old has expressed his frustration at spending time on the sidelines.

After an over-exuberant tackle against Reading in the FA Cup clash in mid-March led to his absence from the second leg of the Champions League showdown with Real Madrid due to an ankle injury, Jones admits that was a learning experience.

However, with Sir Alex Ferguson recently proclaiming that the defender can become one of the club's best-ever players, there are plenty of reasons for pride at his season's accomplishments.

"It has been frustrating," Jones told Inside United, the official club magazine, when asked about his campaign. "Certainly at the start of the season.

"It was tough as I had a back injury and then, in the first or second training session back, I injured my knee again. It was kind of one thing after the next and I felt like: 'Is this sort of thing going to end?'

"Thankfully, I got over that and played in quite a few games and cup games as well. The cup ties really gave me a chance to have more game-time and I think I've done reasonably well towards the back end of the season."

Jones left Old Trafford on crutches after the Reading cup tie following a tackle on Jobi McAnuff that was described as 'too brave' by his manager.

"It was silly tackle," he conceded. "I probably should have looked after myself a bit more. I will learn from it as an experienced head would probably not have done that. But I will learn from that.

"It is in me [playing with great enthusiasm]. I like making tackles. I like defending. Injuries are going to occur in football so I've probably just been unfortunate, especially at the start of the season.

"I was gutted [to miss the Madrid tie]. I tried everything to make the game. I was on the treatment table, having massages, in the pool and in the gym. But it was just too soon for me and I missed it."