FORMER Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce believes Phil Jones can be a key member of Alex Ferguson’s ‘last great Manchester United team’.

The 19-year-old defender is on the brink of completing a £16.5million switch to Old Trafford as Ferguson starts rebuilding the Premier League champions.

With Paul Scholes and Gary Neville retiring and Ryan Giggs coming to the end of his career, Allardyce expects Jones to help ensure another ‘Ferguson revolution’ ends in success.

Allardyce said: “Sir Alex is getting close to his final rebuild and this will be as exciting as the first team he built, with young players like Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Wayne Rooney, Nani and the Brazilian twins.

“The first thing you notice about Phil is his mental strength and his ability to cope with the pressure of the Premier League at such an early age.

“He never looked phased or nervous about playing in the biggest league in the world. He made his debut against Chelsea and marked Didier Drogba and won man of the match, that showed his mental strength.

“It was clear after that he had all the attributes needed to make it as a top defender. We saw it in training every day and that in every department he had the right ability to make it.

“With a bit more experience, which he will get at Manchester United, he will ultimately become an England defender.”