Jones Happy To Be Back Playing

Phil Jones says he is delighted to be back in the Manchester United first team - but wants no sympathy for the amount of football he's missed since signing from Blackburn in 2011.

Jones started only his second league game of the season in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Manchester City after more injury troubles during the summer.

Shortly after arriving back from their pre-season tour of the United States, Jones developed a blood clot in one of his calves.

"You can't control it. It was one of the most frustrating periods of my career, sitting at home not being able to do anything," said Jones.

"I was in the gym every day and the lads were playing. I just wanted to be part of it and I wasn't part of it. You just have to forget about it and move on.

"I don't think anyone will ever realise how hard it is at times. But I don't want any sympathy. I am just happy to be back."

The England defender has suffered back, knee, ankle, hamstring and shin problems in recent years - missing 59 games as a result.

Now he wants to forge a successful partnership with Chris Smalling at the heart of United's defence.

Rather surprisingly, the derby draw over the weekend was only the 12th time the two have started as a pair at the heart of a four-man defence.

Jones added: "The more games you play, the more confident you get and I think Chris has been terrific this season and hopefully we can cement a partnership together."

Credit: Skysports.com