POLISHING STONES Big Dunc ’n Unsworth help ‘new Rio’ quest

JOHN STONES has called on Everton’s ‘Bruise Brothers’ to fine-tune his silky skills.

The 21-year-old has two unlikely mentors in his quest to follow in Rio Ferdinand’s footsteps as England’s next ball-playing central defender.

No-nonsense Goodison Park heroes Duncan Ferguson and David Unsworth are the ones entrusted to polish the gem Stones.

And he admitted legendary battering ram Ferguson is a man he wouldn’t like to have faced.

Stones said: “He doesn’t bully me, thank god. Dunc is such a presence. When he speaks, you really listen.

“He’s got some great words, especially before the game. He wants us to have pride in that Everton shirt.

“I wouldn’t want to come up against Dunc, that’s for sure. He was some player, some brute. I try and stay away from him!”

Stones added: “Unsy sits in the stand and watches every game, so when I come in the day after, he has always got a word for me.

“He’ll tell me what I’m doing right, what I’m doing wrong. Even down to the marking of a centre-forward.”

Former Barnsley defender Stones makes an emotional return to Oakwell tonight for England Under-21s’ final warm-up match against Belarus before they jet off for next week’s European Championship in Czech Republic.

But with four senior caps to his name, Stones is already dreaming of emulating Ferdinand’s Three Lions career.

He said: “I used to watch Rio play and loved the way he came out with the ball.

“I’d love to create this image of me doing what Rio did, but I also want to be known as a great defender who can keep clean sheets.”

Stones won’t be short of terrace support when he returns to his hometown tonight.

He added: “My mum and dad came to every home and away game, so for them to see me at Oakwell again will be special.

“They went all over the place and they still try to come to all of them with Everton. They have put some miles in, but this one is on the doorstep.”