Blackburn Rovers head of Academy on Wharton England call-up

 Wharton has been named in Gareth Southgate’s provisional 26-man squad ahead of this summer’s Euros in Germany. The Three Lions have friendlies against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland next month.

The 20-year-old has been earning rave reviews since leaving Ewood Park to join Crystal Palace in January, making a seamless transition to Premier League football as Oliver Glasner’s side surged up the table.

“Adam joined us at six years of age so I have known him for the last 13 years,” Jones told BBC Sport. “In terms of his attributes, he was always an outstanding footballer, intelligent, his ability on the ball.

“The other side is that he was a real humble young man as he came through our Academy. He had all the attributes to go on and become a top, top player.”

Wharton has already made 16 appearances for the Eagles, becoming an important figure in the middle of the pitch despite his lack of experience in the top flight.

“Not many players have done that but I think as Adam was coming through our system, we always knew he had the capabilities to go and play at the highest level,” Jones explained.

“When he joined Crystal Palace, he quickly transitioned into their team and hasn’t looked out of place since. He has been outstanding in the games I have seen in the Premier League against top, top players. We are delighted for him.”

When asked what makes Wharton so difficult to play against, he added: “I think it is his ability and quality on the ball, his technical ability, his football intelligence and game understanding.

Wharton in action for Crystal Palace (Image: PA)

“He sees things that possibly other players don’t see, and he has always shown that from a young age. Now, he is obviously showing that in the Premier League and that has always been a real attribute of his.”

There is no denying the midfielder’s ability on the pitch, but Jones believes he also has the right attitude and mindset to go a long way in the game.

The step up to Premier League and now potentially international football is daunting for any youngster, but the head of Academy is confident Wharton will keep his feet firmly on the ground.

“Adam has always been like that, really humble and down to earth, Jones said. “He has a lovely family and support around him.

“I am sure he will just take this in his stride as he always did when he was coming through our Academy. I am just delighted for him and everyone involved who has worked with him over the years.”

He continued: “I will be dropping him a message, and his mum and dad. I know they will be really excited by what is around the corner and really proud.

“He was at the training ground a couple of weeks ago to say hello to the players and the staff so I am sure we will bump into each other. Obviously, I wish him the best.”

It is yet another success story for Rovers’ Academy set-up, which has produced a number of exciting talents over the years.

Jones hailed everyone who has played a part in Wharton’s journey through the club’s youth ranks and insists it is a “proud moment” for them all.

“It is fantastic,” he beamed. “All the people who work in the Academy system across the country, that is what we aim for and work every day for – to develop young people as well as players.

“It is fantastic when you see transition so quickly to playing at the highest level in the game and then potentially representing England at a top competition. I am really proud and the football club is really proud, the staff at the Academy.

“I know they will be sitting there thinking, ‘What an achievement’ and they have all played their role, past and present. It is a really proud moment for us all.”

Former Rovers talisman Chris Sutton has also praised Wharton following his call-up, describing him as a “classy player” who “knits things together so effortlessly”.

The midfielder only made his debut for the England Under-21 side in March, coming off the bench for the final 20 minutes of the 7-0 win against Luxembourg in Bolton.