Like Owen, Jones has broken into the Premier League at an exceptionally early age.

Yet Allardyce feels the direct consequence of Owen's elevation to international ranks and the Liverpool side at 18 are the muscular problems that have blighted the second half of his career.

And, as Jones celebrates his first England Under-21 call up for Tuesday's encounter with Uzbekistan at Ashton Gate, Allardyce has vowed to adopt an ultra careful approach to the Lancastrian's progression.

"Phil is 18 and you have to take into account the delicate state of his body," said Allardyce. "He has not matured into an adult yet.

"When you are playing in the top league in the world it can be a huge risk if he is overplayed.

"The perfect example is Michael Owen. Liverpool overplayed him at 18. All of a sudden he is riddled with hamstring injuries and despite only being 30 he is now struggling to recapture the form from when he was 21.

"We have to guard against that."

It means Jones might not feature every week for Blackburn, even if he is set for a lengthy stint under Stuart Pearce for the young Three Lions.

"I will manage the situation the best way I possibly can, which really would be for the rest of the team to play at their best so I can give Phil a little rest here and there.

"It won't happen in the Under-21s because Stuart Pearce will want him most games, which is understandable.

"I don't want to put too much pressure on him because he might take a dip from last season.

"If he does that we will take him to one side until he is ready to come back in. We will not destroy his confidence."