Moyes: Maturity Will Aid Jones

Phil Jones will pick up less injuries as he matures into a top-class centre-back, according to Manchester United manager David Moyes.

The versatile defender has missed a number of games since joining from Blackburn Rovers in 2011 and suffered concussion at Stoke City last weekend, leading to his substitution. Although the England international has had a lot of bad luck in this area, some feel his committed approach to the game makes him susceptible to collecting injuries.

"I think that is how he plays," reasoned Moyes. "He is an old-fashioned player who throws himself about and you may say: 'Why did you do that?' but that is why he has had a few injuries and been caught out a few times.

"We certainly don't want that to continue. We think that, with maturity, he will recognise when he should go for it and when he should stand up.

"After this World Cup, England will probably look to Jones and Chris Smalling as their next pairing at centre-half," added the boss. "We have got them at United now and are bringing them on but I think, in time, they will also be a pairing for England.

"I see Jones settling in at centre-back and, in time, he will become a very good centre-back, but I think, right now, he is a very good defensive midfield player which we might need in some games."