GRANT Hanley’s emergence has been over-shadowed by Phil Jones’ exploits over the last few months but if early signs are anything to go by don’t expect him to stay off the radar for long.

The Scottish under 19 international has missed the start of this season through injury but returned in impressive mood in Rovers reserves’ 1-1 draw with Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night.

While his academy team-mate Jones has shot into the limelight with a string of starring displays in both defence and midfield, Hanley’s rise has so far gone unnoticed.

But anyone who saw his Premier League debut on the last day of last season at Aston Villa would know he has something about him, with many at Ewood Park believing he can make just as big an impact as Jones.

Hanley showed on Tuesday that, while the pair may both be central defenders, their game is totally different with the Scot more in the Colin Hendry ‘no nonsense’ school of defending.

Playing his first game of the campaign he kept Bolton’s hot prospect Tom Eaves quiet throughout and, after the inevitable rusty start, Hanley dominated the hosts’ attack throughout.