The 18-year-old burst onto the scene last year at Ewood Park as a central defender but was selected in midfield against Everton for their Premier League opener last weekend. Allardyce has praised Jones' seamless transition into midfield, and puts it down to the youngsters' excellent ability. When asked how much work he had to do to prepare him for the move, Allardyce said: "Not a lot. If you are a natural, you are a natural. "We talk about the coaching side with great importance but at the end of the day, some people just naturally have the ability that they have and that is why they become a top player. "He is a natural - he senses where he should be and what the situation is around him. For a young man, he makes more right decisions than some more experienced players. "Moving him into midfield was a big ask because the game is so much more difficult in there as it is all around you, rather than just coming on to you as a centre-half. "But he commanded that position with great quality on Saturday I felt and it was a big, big bonus for us to see him in that position. "Hopefully he will grow in there. I ultimately see him in the end at the back, but certainly for now, he is making a good contribution in the middle of the park in that sitting role." Jones has played down his change of position and claims that he is happy to play anywhere in the first-team. "I would not say it was central midfield," he told the Lancashire Telegraph. "I would say it was screening the back four for extra security. "It is just like playing centre-back but you have to be more aware of what is around you. "I am happy to play there. Obviously I am new to the role and I am learning the role as I go along but hopefully I can adapt and get better and better as it goes on. "As a young player you just want to play. I am happy to play anywhere. Obviously there is a real competition for places in the squad and if I can get a couple of positions to my name then it gives me a better chance."
