Ashley Phillips has credited Blackburn Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson for playing a role in convincing him to sign a contract with the club.

The 17-year old has committed to a three-year deal to stay with Rovers until June 2025.

This is the first professional contract of his young career.

Phillips has broken into the first team squad this season since the appointment of Tomasson over the summer.

His league debut came in a 2-1 win over West Brom on August 14, with three further appearances coming in the Championship for the side.

The defender has impressed with the opportunities he has been given so far, and has even earned a place in the England U19 team as a result.

Speaking to Rovers TV on the official club website, the youngster has opened up on the impact the Danish coach has had since his arrival at Ewood Park.

"[Tomasson] has played a big part," said Phillips, via Lancashire Live.

"Under the gaffer I am only going to improve, he has a clear plan for me and it is about trusting him and repaying his faith.

"All you want is to be trusted and to have that from the gaffer is amazing. I don't think many would play a 17 year old but that trust means a lot. 

“He has been there and done it at the highest level so knows what it takes to get to the very top so it is all about learning from him.

"I just want to be playing at the highest level so to already be experiencing first team football is a dream.

"This is the best place for my development.

"I set out a goal to have played a few times this year but to already have those games so early on has been great. 

"From here I can only go upwards, there may be times when I am playing Under-21s but it will be best for my development and training with the first team is only going to push me.”

 

 

Blackburn will be happy to have tied down the centre back for such a contract given the speculation surrounding his future during the summer, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly monitoring the player’s situation. 

It has been a positive start to life under Tomasson, with Rovers currently 7th in the league table heading into October.

The Verdict

That Tomasson has thrown him into the starting team at only 17 suggests how highly he is rated by the club.

Gaining first team experience at this age is crucial to his development and something he never would’ve received had he made the move to Tottenham in the summer.

These comments also show that he has realistic playing expectations for the season ahead, which is a good base for him to build with.

His performances have been impressive all things considered and it is obvious why the club were so eager to tie him down to a longer-term contract.